Ronald Ross Meardy

CMDR, Ronald Ross Meardy, 84, passed away on March 21, 2016, with loved ones by his side. He is survived by his wife, Selena V. Meardy and was always a loving father to his son, Mark Kevin Meardy (deceased); daughter, Amber Louise (Meardy) Grady (h. Richard); son, Ronald Ross Meardy/Kessler (w. Brandy), his grandson Alex and step-grandson Gibson. He is also survived by his long-time companion, Kathy McKown; her daughter, Anne Marie Quinn and grandchildren, Nikki and Fitzi Quinn, and Katie (Quinn) White (h. Zack). Ron was the son of Hazel Anna Meardy, stepfather John Henry Meardy and father Harold Kessler. Ronnie was born in Cleveland, OH and spent many happy years growing up in Groton, CT, Panama and Norfolk, VA. Ron was the oldest of five siblings and adored them and their families, Emma (Meardy) Holmgren (h. Jack, deceased), Bill Meardy (w. Betty), Jackie (Meardy) Nunes (h.Tom), Kathy (Meardy) Crouch (h. Andy) and John Meardy. Ron was a professional boxer at age 15 and graduated from Granby H.S. in 1950 where he played baseball as a catcher and continued to play in the Navy. He earned his Bachelor's Degree late in life in Political Science from Virginia Wesleyan in 18 months. Ron enjoyed a long and successful career in the United States Navy, enlisting in 1950. He began his Navy life as a seaman on the USS Monterey (CVL-26) and rose to the rank of Commander, ending his career at the Submarine Board of Inspection & Survey Atlantic. Ron was especially proud to be a Navy Mustang and to achieve command. During his three plus decades as a Navy sailor, Ron served onboard nine different ships and two amphibious units. He served three tours in Vietnam, including command of the USS Krishna ARL-38. In the Navy, a few of the metals Ron received were the Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and Navy Unit Commendation. Cmdr. Meardy proudly served in the U.S. Navy until his retirement in 1982. Ron lived on the ocean, walked the beach and often swam a mile at a time. If he wasn't at the beach house, he was traveling the USA in his RV. He said he spent his naval career seeing the world and now it was time to see his country. Ron was an avid speed reader and learner, who never wanted to leave a bookstore. If he went missing at the mall, we knew where to find him. Ron attended every sporting event of his children's (Amber's and Ronald's that he could) and he was their biggest fan and most supportive father in all areas of their lives. In his senior years, Ron believed kindness was one of the most important virtues a person could possess and he was truly a kind man. Ron leaves his family with a lot of love and great memories. Farewell! We salute you!

Ronald Ross Meardy

August 16, 1931 - March 21, 2016