Ronald “Ron” Dewyea, born in 1944 in Newburgh, New York, passed away peacefully during the early morning hours on October 1, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion. The son of Leonard W. Dewyea Sr. and Marie J. Dewyea, Ron was preceded in death by his siblings Leonard W. Dewyea Jr. and Susan T. Dewyea. He is survived by his siblings/spouses Ivan and Betsy Dewyea and Debbie Dewyea and Cathy Cruz, along with a host of loving family members and friends.
Ron attended New Paltz High School in New Paltz, New York, before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1961 completing his G.E.D. in the USN. Serving as an Aviation Machinist Mate (E-3) at the U.S. Naval Air Facility in Washington D.C., he worked as a crew chief on C-54 ‘Skymaster’ and T-28 ‘Trojan’. Ron was honored to serve on the U.S. Navy Honor Guard for President John F. Kennedy’s funeral and later as a driver for President Lyndon B. Johnson’s stac during the 1963 inaugural events. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1965.
Following his military service, Ron worked for Majestic Tunneling before embarking on a successful 25-year career with International Business Machines (IBM). As a Senior Level Manager in the Federal Systems Division, he contributed significantly to submarine sonar systems and NASA space launch support. After retiring, Ron moved to Stanardsville, Virginia, in 2001, where he became an active member of the Piedmont Stella Lodge A.F. & A.M.
A man of deep Christian faith, Ron served his Lord quietly by helping others, always helping where he saw a need, whether to a friend, stranger, or animal. His generosity knew no bounds—one memorable example being when he gifted a truck to a man who worked at a local sawmill who lost their car.
Ron had a passion for mechanics and motorcycles, often spending his free time working on his beloved vehicles, including a 1972 Chevy SS, 67 Ford Mustang, and a T-Top 1977 Pontiac. His skill and ability to repair anything were well-known to those around him.
In 1964, Ron married the love of his life, Reba Slaven of Harriman, TN. They built their family home on 2 acres in Broad Run, Virginia to garden, operate a garage, serve Christ, make strong bonds with neighbors and provide a warm, secure home for their 2 sons. They shared 50 wonderful years together before her passing from a prolonged illness in late October 2013.
Ron is survived by his two sons and their families:
Kirk Dewyea, Capt. USAF, his wife Cindy, and their children and spouses, Capt. Mark (USMC) and Lt. Monica (USA) Dewyea, Ryan and Jane Dewyea, and Alison Dewyea; and Dr. Victor A. Dewyea M.D., Lt. Col. USA, his wife Kelly, and their children and spouses, Luke and Emory Dewyea, Mackenzie Dewyea, Seth Dewyea, and Maddux Dewyea. He is also survived by his fiancée, Ms. Bertha “Birdie” Gray, who brought him much joy in his later years.
Ron Dewyea will be remembered as a kind-hearted, loyal, and resourceful man, whose life was a testament to service, love, and generosity. His presence will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. In lieu, of flowers, follow his example and pay it forward by helping someone in need.
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