Ronald Anthony Quander Sr.

Ronald Anthony Quander Sr. peacefully passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born on March 16, 1945 and raised in Washington, DC, the only son of the late Doris M. Quander. After graduating over a year early from Eastern Senior High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Spanish and Education from the District of Columbia Teachers College. He later earned a Master of Arts degree in Advanced Supervision, Secondary Schools from the University of the District of Columbia.

Ronald was a much loved Spanish teacher in several junior and senior high schools in the DC Public School and Prince George's County School Systems for over 40 years. He led several department and system-wide committees, and implemented multiple improvement initiatives. A consummate educator and lover of computer technology, he taught “Spanish for Educators” at Trinity College, taught the first Aerospace Education course in the DC Public School system, and revolutionized student progress reports and deficiency notices via computer software long before it was prevalent. In his spare time, Ronald built and upgraded desktop computers, adopted leading edge software, and taught his children the same skills.

In parallel to his exceptional teaching career, Ronald was an active member of the Civil Air Patrol - USAF Auxiliary for more than 4 decades, implementing numerous cadet programs and policies and earning several awards in the process. Known by many as “Colonel Q”, he made Civil Air Patrol history twice, becoming the first ever African American to hold the rank of Wing Commander (National Capital Wing) and then Region Commander (Mid-Atlantic Region).

Ronald was a man of deep faith and was a devout member of Saint Anthony's Catholic church in Washington, DC. In his youth, he served as an altar boy at his home church and then served in the Catholic Youth Organization at St. Luke Catholic Church, the same church where he was married. He drew on his public speaking abilities in adulthood to serve as a lector at St. Anthony's for over 30 years and, in parallel, he was involved in the Mass for Shut-ins, a television program enabling parishioners to view mass services from home if they were unable to attend in person.

Ronald was a fierce friend and family man. He loved being involved in family activities and hosting get-togethers. Having served as president of Quander’s United Inc. for many years, loving his family was always the running theme of his life. He tried as hard as he could to be a wonderful son, nephew, cousin, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, neighbor and friend. He will surely be missed.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Emily, his children Robin (Nick), Reina, and Anthony (Kai), his grandchildren Robyn, Nicholas, Trey, Alex, Joshua, Jeremiah, Illiana, and Lauren, and his great-grandchildren Zion and Zuri.