Ronald "Ron" George Gados

Ron Gados, 83, died peacefully at home on July 17, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Ron was born on May 25, 1943, his mother's birthday, in Johnson City, New York, to George and Mary (Rudik) Gados. He grew up in Endicott, New York, surrounded by extended family, and was valedictorian of his Union-Endicott High School, class of 1961. Interested in math, science, and engineering, he was appointed to the United States Air Force Academy, where he graduated in 1965 with a BS in Engineering Science. He completed an MS in Astronautics with a concentration in physics at Purdue University. He then trained as an Air Force pilot before being assigned to Strategic Air Command (SAC) in Plattsburgh, New York. After completing his service in the Air Force, Ron pursued a PhD in Engineering Science and Systems Analysis at Clarkson University. He then moved to northern Virginia to begin his second career, and met his future wife, Judy Offerdahl, at a singles dance. They were married in Arlington, Virginia, on May 25, 1980.

Ron and Judy moved to Colorado Springs in 1987 to raise their family. In 1990, Ron was selected as an exchange scientist for collaborative simulation design projects between the United States and the United Kingdom, and the family moved to Malvern, England, for two years. There, they made lifelong friends and traveled throughout Northern Europe.

Ron spent his career solving complex problems that helped strengthen the nation's defense systems. As an engineer and scientist, he worked behind the scenes to improve communications and computer models used to test and strengthen systems critical to national security. His intelligence, quiet dedication, and innovative thinking earned the respect of his colleagues and made a lasting contribution to his field.

Ron was an active member of All Souls Unitarian Church for many years, serving as a board member, a member of the investment team, and a dedicated participant in the community. A gifted problem-solver and devoted family man, Ron took great pride in caring for his home and could fix nearly anything with ingenuity and patience. He enjoyed baking bread, preparing cuisines from around the world, planting and tending trees, and social dancing with his wife and daughters. A lifelong learner, he studied languages, explored astronomy and cosmology, and found meaning in Taoist and Buddhist philosophy.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife of forty-six years, Judy Offerdahl; daughter Rebecca Offerdahl Gados Moore (Jonathan) of Kāpiti Coast, New Zealand; daughter Karen Gados (John Lentz) of Denver; grandchildren Ewan Offerdahl Moore, Ella Buchanan Moore, and Isaac Gados Moore all of New Zealand; and chosen family member Christianna Sayler of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. Ron is also survived by his beloved brother, Robert Gados, and sister-in-law, Micki, of Burlington, Vermont; nieces Mary Gados (Gareth Hunt) and Kristin Gados Sullivan (Tim); and nephew John Gados (Amanda); and seven great-nieces and great-nephews, all of Vermont.

Ron was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2022 and faced the illness with courage for four years.

He will always be remembered for his kindness, patience, and thoughtfulness.

"All we need is the morning. As long as there is sunrise, then there is the possibility that we can face all our misfortunes, celebrate all our blessings, and live all our endeavors as human beings." -Deng Ming-Dao