Ronald Kolb

Ronald’s life was marked by steadiness, resilience, and perseverance.

Born on January 18, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ruth (née Davidson) and Charles Kolb, Ronald spent his childhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He graduated from Whitefish Bay High School in 1962 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Case Western Reserve University in 1966, where he fondly remembered his time as a member of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity.

After college, he moved to Maryland, where he met and married Susan M. Kolb on July 27, 1969, in Silver Spring, MD. They were married for 35 years before her untimely death from cancer.

Ronald had a highly successful 40+ year career in the defense sector, highlighted by his 29 years as a Program Manager at General Dynamics.

A passionate hobbyist, Ronald enjoyed collecting model trains and building layouts. He helped establish the Baltimore Area American Flyer Club (BAAFC), which remains active today. In addition to trains, he loved baking, watching sports, solving crossword puzzles, woodworking, playing solitaire, and listening to oldies music.

He was also deeply committed to his community, volunteering countless hours on Columbia Association boards and various local organizations.

Ronald is preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Charles Kolb, his wife Susan Kolb, and his grandson Paxton Kolb.

He is survived by his sons, Matthew (Paula) and Adam (Jennifer); grandchildren Hannah, Michaela, Jordan, and Carson; and his younger brother, Jay.

In memory of Ronald, his family is raising funds for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. In lieu of flowers, they kindly ask that donations be made to support research and initiatives for those affected by Parkinson’s disease. Please consider donating at: https://gofund.me/57d1587b

Funeral services will be held from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, at National Funeral Home & Memorial Park, with a reception following from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.