Ronald Barry Graham, Esq.

Ronald Barry Graham, Esq., passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, at the age of 83. Ron was born on May 9, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland. After growing up in Baltimore, later settling in Bel Air in Harford County, he spent the last eight years of his retirement enjoying life in Millville, Delaware. He was the cherished son of the late Andrew Jackson Graham and the late Cleone Cauffman Kovacs.

Ron was the beloved husband of 58 years to Carol Mullen Graham; devoted father of Heather Graham Phelps of Charlotte, NC, Erin Graham Bichell and her husband Gregory Bichell of Freeland, MD, and Barry Andrew Graham and his wife Jennifer Barbier Graham of Woonsocket, RI. He was the dear brother of Gary Andrew Graham and his wife Charlotte Elizabeth “Beth” Graham of Towson, MD. Ron took immense pride in being the loving grandfather of Grady Graham Bichell, Ian Andrew Phelps, Connor James Bichell, Caroline James Phelps, Reid Graham Phelps, and Oliver Andrew Graham. He also is survived by his niece, Charlotte Graham Zacharkiw, her husband Stephan and their three children, of Charleston, SC, and Alexander Hunter Graham, his wife Anastasia and their child, also of Charleston, SC.

Born in Brooklyn, MD, where he quickly became known for his sarcastic wit, larger‑than‑life humor and unforgettable antics, Ron quickly became a beloved presence in every neighborhood he called home. His warmth, quick mind and ability to make lifelong friends were constants throughout his life.

Ron graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1971 with a Juris Doctorate and was admitted as a practicing attorney before the Court of Appeals of Maryland on December 13, 1973. He began his legal career as a public defender for the State of Maryland, later serving as an Assistant State’s Attorney for the City of Baltimore for 20 years. After decades of dedicated prosecutorial service, he returned to his roots as a public defender. He was a proud member of the Sigma Delta Kappa law fraternity, where he formed and maintained many strong and lasting friendships.

Ron and Carol raised their family in Cool Spring, a sprawling rural neighborhood in Bel Air, where he cultivated yet another cherished group of lifelong friends. A gifted cook who never needed a recipe, Ron expressed his love through food. His other passions included fishing, golfing, bird watching, spending time in nature, playing pool, and sharing his deep love of history and ethics with his children and grandchildren. His remarkable memory and wide‑ranging knowledge made him a formidable member of his trivia team.

A devoted 40-year member of St. Margaret Parish—where his active contributions spanned 17 years while his children attended the parish school—Ron again built a circle of extraordinary friends. He especially loved the annual Fall Festival, where he manned the pit beef station for days at a time. His pit beef became a parish legend, eagerly sought out year after year.

Ever present with a hilarious story or perfectly-timed commentary, Ron was a giant of a man—steadfast, intelligent, logical, and the most selfless, loving and unfailingly devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend for whom anyone could hope. While the loss of his physical presence leaves an unimaginable void, Ron’s legacy remains in the hearts and minds of all those who were impacted by the gift of this incredible man. He lives forever in the kingdom of God where we will one day see him again.

Friends and family may gather for a Memorial Mass at St. Margaret Catholic Church, 141 North Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD 21014, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10 a.m. Interment will be private. A celebration of life will be held later this spring.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in the memory of Ronald B. Graham to the Sandra R. Berman Heart Institute at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center:

University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation

Sandra R. Berma Heart Institute, Unrestricted Fund

7601 Osler Drive

Towson, MD 21204