Ronald Paul DiLustro

Ronald Paul DiLustro, 72, of North Beach, MD, passed away on January 25, 2025. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Salvatore and Mary (Tirocchi) DiLustro.

Ronald is survived by his loving wife, Sherry; daughter Adrienne DiLustro, stepson Dave Gebhardt (Kelly), and stepdaughter Casey McCarthy (Sean); grandchildren, Hudson, Ella, Ryder, Remy, Kiera, Ivy; siblings Stephen (Joyce), David (Donna), Michael (Juli), and Susan (Bill); and a host of nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

Ron, as he was known to family and friends, grew up in a large and loving Italian American family in Johnston, RI. He completed his BS in mechanical engineering at Roger Williams College (University). His lifelong career in civil service began in 1975 and included early years working at the Naval Air Rework Facility at the Naval Station in Norfolk, VA, and at Andrews Air Force Base in Prince George’s County, MD. His career was defined by his tenure of nearly 46 years, and he served in his last job as a Senior Maintenance and Operations Program Manager at NASA headquarters in Washington, DC. His work with NASA also afforded him opportunities to travel to various sites across the country and apply his expertise to several of NASA’s innovative projects. He was a dedicated and respected colleague and celebrated his well-earned retirement in 2021.

With an aptitude for home renovation and maintenance, Ron drew from his proficiency as an engineer and was happy to help family and friends with various small and large-scale household, car, or boat projects. There was rarely a job or problem that he could not solve. He had the right tools for every task! He was generous with his time and knowledge, always ready to help a friend or family member in need. Thank you, Ron!

Ron loved fishing, target shooting, Italian food (especially chicken parmesan and Frutti di mare) and baking. He was best known for his famous oatmeal raisin cookies and his blueberry muffins. He and his daughter, Adrienne, always looked forward to their Christmas bake-off. The two of them would bake their famous oatmeal raisin cookies, biscotti, and sometimes throw in Ron’s “mile-high apple pie.” He was always there to lend a hand to Adrienne, Dave and Casey and supported them as they grew up and moved into their own homes. He loved spending time with the grandchildren, always trying to help and teach them along the way.

Family time was important to Ron and Sherry, celebrating birthdays and holidays together. They also loved to take yearly trips to New England to spend time with his family and friends. Ron loved to go clamming with his brothers and nephews at “The Inn.” Boating to Newport, the lobster feasts, and gelato were family favorites. He always brought Maryland crabs to enjoy while watching the breathtaking sunsets on Greenwich Bay. Some of his favorite vacations with close friends included Italy, Saint Barts, and last year’s trip to the BVIs exploring the islands on a Powercat. As Ron put it, a “boating trip of a lifetime.”

Ron and Sherry loved their life on the Chesapeake Bay. It was always their dream to have a boat and build a house on the water. They bought their boat Amorè (named by Ron) and kept it on “C-Dock” at Herrington Harbour South Marina on Herring Bay. They were married at the marina, and then bought land on Herring Bay and eventually built their dream home. When he wasn’t working on the house, Ron (otherwise known as Captain Ron) was most happy cruising the Chesapeake Bay on Amorè, with Sherry by his side. They enjoyed decades of boating adventures with family and friends, taking in the beautiful scenery and fresh Chesapeake seafood. They loved visiting destination spots along the bay. Ron especially loved watching the July 4th fireworks on Amorè. Captain Ron’s favorite spot to take his boat was Skipper’s Pier. They celebrated many special occasions there and he always ordered a crabcake sandwich. He loved sitting on the boat listening to the band and watching the sunset. “Captain Ron” will be fondly remembered by his boating community for his willingness to help others, his affable nature, steady navigation, and of course, his impeccably clean boat.

All who were fortunate enough to spend time with him will cherish his legacy. A sip of Johnnie Walker, a perfectly cooked chicken parmigiana, or a warm breeze on the Bay will forever evoke loving memories of Ron’s warm spirit and gentle smile. Ron was the best of the best and will be terribly missed by everyone that was lucky enough to have known him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Herrington Harbour South Marina Yacht Club, April 13th, with a memorial service to begin at 1:30 P.M., and reception to follow until 4:00 P.M. Donations can be made to https://JohnRitterFoundation.org for Aortic Dissection.