Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors is proud to feature families, groups and individuals who make a difference in our community. This month, we turn our attention to Ron Gravina as our 2026 Newtown Edgmont Friend & Neighbor of the Year! Ron’s recognition as Friend and Neighbor of the Year is not about a single accomplishment or moment. It is about a lifetime of steady, consistent service.
In a community like Edgmont, where neighbors still wave as they pass by and volunteerism is more than a value but a way of life, certain individuals quietly shape the township’s character over decades. Ron is one of those people. A lifelong resident, a devoted public servant and a steady presence in nearly every corner of local life, Ron has spent more than fifty years investing his time, energy and heart into the place he has always called home.
Ron’s story begins right here in Edgmont Township, where he was raised alongside his siblings Frank, David and Diane, and graduated from Penncrest High School. Growing up in a close-knit family, Ron developed an early appreciation for community, responsibility and connection. Those values would go on to define both his personal and professional life.
From a young age, Ron showed a natural inclination toward hands-on work and teamwork. His career path led him into carpentry, home building, land development and eventually commercial construction and project management, including work in hospital facilities. For Ron, the most meaningful part of his work was never just the buildings themselves, but the people who would use them. “I enjoyed creating spaces that improved
working conditions and daily life for others,” Ron explained. “I also value collaboration, problem-solving and helping people succeed.” That same mindset would later influence his approach to public service.
Ron’s involvement with the Edgmont Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 began in 1971, marking the start of what would become a lifelong commitment to emergency services. Over the years, he has held nearly every role within the organization, gaining a deep understanding of both its operations and its importance to the community. Today, as a Life Member, Deputy Chief and House and Grounds Chair, Ron continues to serve with the same dedication he brought as a young volunteer. His decades of service reflect not only loyalty but a genuine belief in protecting
and supporting his neighbors.
Ron’s contributions to Edgmont extend well beyond emergency services. “In 1977, I stepped into the role of Chief, applying my knowledge of construction and safety to help protect homes, businesses and residents,” he explained. His professional background in land development and construction management proved invaluable, allowing him to approach township challenges with both technical expertise and practical insight.
More than three decades ago, Ron took on another significant responsibility when he became a Township Supervisor. For over 30 years, including approximately 20 years as Chairman of the Board and appointed Roadmaster, he has played a central role in guiding Edgmont’s growth and preserving its character. His leadership has been defined by a careful balance of progress and preservation, always with an eye toward maintaining the quality of life that residents value so highly. He believes in a thoughtful, responsible approach to local government, one that respects both
the history of the township and the needs of future generations.
Ron is quick to point out that effective leadership is never a solo effort. “I value the collaboration of fellow board members, township staff and the many commissions and committees that contribute to Edgmont’s success,” Ron said. “I also recognize the importance of engaged residents and encourage neighbors to take an active role in shaping our community.” For Ron, local government works best when it reflects the voices and values of the people it serves.
While Ron’s public service is extensive, his life has always been grounded in family. He met his wife, Valerie, at the Edgmont Post Office, and their story has been intertwined with the township ever since. They were married on October 26, 1984, at St. Denis in Havertown, beginning a partnership that has spanned more than four decades. Together, they built a life in Edgmont, raising their three sons while remaining deeply
involved in community activities.
Valerie has been a vital part of that journey. Originally from Havertown, she moved to Edgmont in 1982 and quickly became immersed in local life. A graduate of Haverford Township High School and of Delaware County Community College with an associate degree in business administration, she began her career with the United States Postal Service and later served as Postmaster of Gradyville. “After the birth of our twin boys, I decided to become a full-time stay-at-home mom,” Valerie said. “It’s by far the best job I’ve ever had!” Valerie is also a lifetime member of the Edgmont Township Fire Co., serving as the company treasurer from 2006 to 2022. In later years, she built a successful career in the insurance industry before retiring in April 2025.
Throughout their children’s upbringing, Ron and Valerie were actively involved in organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America Troop 430, Newtown Edgmont Little League and Media Hoops. Whether serving as a Cub Scout den mother, a team parent or a behind-the-scenes volunteer, Valerie shared Ron’s commitment to giving back. Their home was one where community involvement was not just encouraged but expected, setting an example that their children would carry forward.
Today, Ron and Valerie’s family has grown to include three sons, their spouses and a lively group of grandchildren, with nine already and another little one on the way! Their children have remained close to home, living nearby in Edgmont, Kennett Square and West Chester. Family time is centered on simple but meaningful moments, watching grandchildren grow, sharing meals and enjoying traditions like vacations to Jekyll Island and trips to Deep Creek Lake. “We love a good road trip and are currently working on visiting all 50 states,” Ron said. “We also really enjoy going on cruises, too.”
Even with a full family life, Ron remains active in the community. He has a strong appreciation for the natural beauty of Edgmont and takes pride in helping maintain it. He is known for his dislike of litter and visual clutter, often advocating for cleaner roads and a more thoughtful approach to signage. It is another example of how his care for the township shows up in both large and small ways.
Valerie remains equally engaged, balancing time with her growing family with volunteer work through St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Media. She participates in initiatives like the Bethesda Project casserole program and continues to support causes that help others. Together, Ron and Valerie embody a shared philosophy centered on compassion, service and respect for others.
We took some time to ask our fellow Edgmont Township Community Leaders about Ron and his impact on our community.
“Having grown up with Ron Gravina since our days in Cub Scouts, I have seen firsthand that through every stage of his life, Ron’s commitment to family, Edgmont Township Fire Company #1, Edgmont Township, and its people has remained constant. When faced with difficult decisions, Ron always brought conversations back to one guiding principle: What is best for Edgmont Township, our organization, and our community?
Ron has always believed in protecting the future — carefully managing resources, planning for the future, and ensuring the organizations he served would remain strong for generations to come. I used to joke that while others dreamed about castles in the sky, Ron was there turning off the lights and lowering the thermostat to make sure there would always be enough for tomorrow.
Together, Ron and Valerie have been extremely responsible stewards of the community and the organizations they have served for decades. Through their leadership, dedication, compassion, and steady commitment to others, they have helped make Edgmont Township the special place so many of us are proud to call home.”
~Chip Miller∼
“It’s hard to differentiate Ron from Edgmont, because when I think of Ron, he is Edgmont. He has had a hand in practically everything that has moved our town forward, while promoting responsible development and ensuring this beautiful township is protected and cherished for generations to come.
Ron went to the former Hanna M. Carr Elementary School, which is now home to our township building. He was a main proponent behind preserving the grand old white oak tree that shaded our parking lot for decades, until it had to be removed a few years ago for safety reasons. He has always regaled us with tales about climbing the tree as a child.
If you’ve ever had the unfortunate circumstance of having a fire call at your home or been in an accident on our roads, Ron was likely one of the first on the scene. For more than forty years, Ron has shown up, and Edgmont is all the better for it.
The Providence Road cleanup we held this past April was Ron’s idea, which he had been pushing for two years, and finally became a reality. But truthfully, for Ron, it was just another Saturday. You can regularly find him out on our roads, filling his truck bed with signs and trash, because to him, Edgmont is always worth the effort.
We also cannot forget the woman behind this great man. Val didn’t just move to Edgmont, but made it her home and her mission. She has been the steady support Ron has needed to continue dedicating his time to our township, while also shaping it herself: serving as postmaster and volunteering as treasurer for the fire company for many years.”
~Lindsey Conan~
“We have known Ron and Val for many years. Ron has been a pillar in the community since he was a teenager, when he joined the Edgmont Township Fire Company. After being elected to the Board of Supervisors, Ron kept the Board on a straight course, saving the community thousands of dollars over the years while keeping us safe and doing what was right for the township. He is an amazing asset to Edgmont and our surrounding communities.”
~Ann and Randy Bates~
The Gravina’s approach to life is simple but powerful. They believe in love, compassion and being actively involved in the place you call home. They often remind others that a community is what its residents make of it, encouraging neighbors to participate, stay informed and take pride in where they live. It is a message that resonates strongly in Edgmont, where engagement and connection are key to preserving the township’s unique character.
As Edgmont continues to evolve, it is leaders like Ron who help ensure that its core values remain intact. His legacy is not just in the projects completed or the roles held, but in the culture of service and involvement he has helped foster. It is a legacy that will continue through his family, the organizations he has supported and the many residents inspired by his example.