Obituary
Ronald James Wellman, beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather, passed away at 8:12 pm on Christmas night. Cancer took his body, but it could not take his spirit. He was a fighter until the very end.
Born on March 3, 1949, in Bethesda, Maryland, Ron was a man of science, logic, and good sense. Although some might call him a curmudgeon, those with whom he was close knew better – it was our secret.
Ron grew up in Maryland, and received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of Maryland. He married Julia (Pfeltz) Wellman in February 1992, and the two of them blended their families of three daughters together into a happy, busy, crazy and loving family. Ron worked for the Department of the Army for 38 years. When he and Julie retired, they moved to Ft. Myers, Florida, where he could golf year-round, and together they enjoyed creating a life in the Florida sunshine.
He was a consummate golfer, bowler, softball player, poker player and chess player, and he was an avid car enthusiast and science fiction fan. Most importantly, though, he was a wonderful husband, father, uncle, brother, and friend who will be greatly missed by all who loved him. He is survived by his wife, Julia, his brothers Mark and Larry (Maureen), his daughters Michele (Doug), Meagan (Ryan) and Jessi (Jorge), and his grandchildren, Saylor, Kyle, Owen, Noah, and Summer.
The family will be having a celebration of Ron’s life in Maryland at a later date.
Clemie and I were greatly saddened to learn the cancer had returned and has now taken Ron from you. I admired Ron. He was a great friend in supporting me through my father's losing battle with cancer. He was a great mentor to me at ARL. And you were both wonderful role models for my young family. He is sorely missed.
I am so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. I have such fond memories of Ron -- what a good guy he was. He was so generous to Julie and his girls and always had a kind word for Lenny and me. I remember the Halloween parties and family parties Julie and Ron would have and they were such wonderful hosts. Those were such great days and I miss them dearly. Julie always took such good care of Ron, especially when he was not well. She gave her heart and soul to him. Please let me know when the Maryland celebration for Ron will take place so we can commemorate a great man.