Ronald Jay Ely passed peacefully on Monday, February 16, 2015, at the age of 51. He succumbed to ALS following several years of heroic struggle.
Born in Redding, California, February 28, 1963; he lived most of his life in Maryland. While attending Gwynn Park High School and Annapolis High School, from which he graduated in 1981, he began studying and testing his hand at all trades, finding his passion being electrical work. He then attended an electrical program at the Lincoln Technical Institute of Maryland.
During a 27-year federal career as an electrician, Ronnie worked at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC; Indian Head Naval Support Facility, Indian Head, MD; and the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren, VA. Known for his attention to detail, meticulous wiring, and positive problem-solving attitude, Ronnie started as a junior electrician and continued to rise to senior high-voltage electrician; ultimately responsible for the Uninterrupted Power Supply facility at Dahlgren. During his career he garnered numerous awards for his ability to troubleshoot highly technical problems under critical conditions. One project involved a NASA satellite component being tested by the Navy. No matter what the project or assignment, he always found the solution and never left the job site until it was up to his standards. In a crisis, his dedication and devotion drove him to find a solution, even if that meant long hours on the job and time away from the ones he loved.
In addition to a federal career, Ronnie also worked as an independent electrical contractor, leaving his trademark of meticulous wiring in residential and commercial properties throughout the DC/ MD/ VA area.
Ronnie was a good man with a cool head and a warm heart. He loved and would do anything for his family, friends, and co-workers. If someone had a question, or problem Ronnie was right there with his tools, and words of technical and emotional wisdom, ready to help, even in to the wee hours of the night or morning. Among family and friends, Ronnie was known as the fix-it man, able to build and repair anything. He modified a 1980 Chevy Camaro, building several engines, while still making time to help friends restore and repair their own vehicles. He enjoyed testing his handiwork by racing at Maryland International Raceway and other venues.
Baseball was Ronnie’s passion since childhood. As an adult, he played in an industrial league and then became an accredited umpire to officiate games for Southern Maryland youth and community college leagues. While umpiring little league girl’s softball, he earned the title of “Mr. Hottie”. He was a loyal Washington Nationals fan. For many years, Ron looked forward to his annual trip to Florida to watch the major league baseball spring-training games.
Preceded in death by grandparents John and Veda Dorsey and very recently, half-brother Jeff Kaplan; Ronnie is survived by his loving wife, Amy Ely, of 33 years; son, Donald J. Ely, daughter-in-law, Stephanie Gioia-Ely, grandson Jasper Louis Ely, of Hughesville, MD; son, Micky Ely, daughter-in-law Laura Ely, grandson Lucas Jameson Ely, of Groton, CT; granddaughter Symber Ava Ely, of Augusta GA; parents Katherine Larrabee and Jay Ely; stepfathers Harvey Kaplan and Dave Larrabee; stepmother Sue Ely; half-sister Brenda Carr, and step sister Terri Gale and their respective families.
Arrangements: In lieu of flowers, the family would like to encourage donations to Hospice of Charles County. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on March 7th, 2015 at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge on Rosewick Parkway in La Plata, MD from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Feel free to bring your favorite picture and/ or share a favorite story of Ronnie, along with a favorite dish to share. Coffee, Tea, and light hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Cash bar available.
Services:
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Celebration of Life at Fraternal Order of Police Lodge – Rosewick Pkwy, La Plata, MD
