Ronald James “Ron” Walters

Ronald James “Ron” Walters, age 79, of Bear, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on February 6, 1947, he was a son of the late John D. and Ruth (Dugan) Walters. Ron moved to Delaware with his family when he was 6 years old, and later graduated from William Penn High School with the class of 1966. He married the love of his life, Mary, on April 29, 1972. Ron spent 6 years proudly serving in the National Guard during the Vietnam War. He began working as a machine operator at Enterprise, and then went to A&F Machine & Development, retiring in 2010.

Ron was happiest when he was outdoors. He frequently visited state and national parks, and loved taking trips to the beach with his family and his parents. Ron’s passion was sports; whether he was watching or playing. He participated in the Sunday Only Softball League, and loved golfing and bowling. Football Sundays were spent cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles, and his college team was the University of Delaware Blue Hens. When the spring came, Ron was ready to watch NASCAR and root for the Philadelphia Phillies to ring the bell. He was always the life of the party and loved to make people laugh with his jokes. Ron loved dogs. He also enjoyed indulging in chocolate cake and other treats. A friend to the community, Ron spent his free time as a volunteer fire fighter for the Christiana Fire Company. A man of faith, he was a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. Most of all, Ron loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will always be remembered for his bear hugs.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his brother, Rick Walters; and brother-in-law, William Burke. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Mary Patricia (Burke) Walters; children, Kim Nicholas (David), Nikki Walters, and Lindsay Hallett (Billy); grandchildren, Zack Davis, Jake Davis, Kyle Davis, CJ Nicholas, Gavin Smoot, Hailey Hallett, and Bailey Hosey; siblings, Jack Walters (Carol), Mary Ann Atkinson (Herbert), and Beth Neubauer (Dave); 6 great-granddaughters; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:45 am until 10:45 am on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Church, 345 Bear Christiana Road, Bear, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron’s memory to Christiana Fire Company, Attn: Administrator, 2 East Main Street, Christiana, DE 19702 or online by clicking here.