Ronald William Clark, Sr.

Born on December 1, 1955, in Buffalo, NY, Ron was a man of faith who loved the Lord and believed that when you have an opportunity to help someone, you should. That simple belief guided him throughout his life—in his family, his nearly three decades of military service, his career, his community, and the countless friendships he formed. His quiet but deeply important love for the Lord was reflected in his love for his family, his dedication to service, and the kindness and respect he showed to others.

Ron was the beloved husband of Kathleen Lynn (née Kania) Clark; devoted father of Ron Jr. and Stephanie (Donald) Moffett; loving grandfather of Lillian and Finnegan; cherished son of the late Charles Clark and Theresa Martin; dear brother of Charles E. (Mary) Clark, Ken (Deborah) Clark, Allison (Nate) Totaro, the late Cynthia Clark, and Mary-Beth Adams; brother-in-law of Joan (late Frank) Czerwinski, Jane (James) Fullager, David (Sandra) Kania, Debbie (John) Leininger, and Arleen (Glenn) MacMillen, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Ron also shared a special bond with his aunt, Loretta Kreppel, who played an important role throughout his adolescence and young adulthood. Their relationship remained strong throughout his life, and Aunt Loretta held a unique and deeply cherished place in Ron’s heart.

At the heart of Ron’s life was his family. He and his beloved wife, Kathie, shared 50 years of marriage—a remarkable partnership filled with love, devotion, laughter, challenges, and countless memories. Together, they raised Ron Jr. and Stephanie, and Ron was immensely proud of the adults they became. He welcomed his son-in-law, Donny, into the family and was a proud and loving grandfather to Lillian and Finnegan.

Nothing brought him greater joy than his family. Being a husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather meant more to Ron than any professional title or personal recognition ever could.

Ron proudly served his country for nearly three decades in the United States Navy and Naval Reserve. He began his military career aboard the USS Independence, serving as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate, Fuels (ABF). His time aboard the Independence remained especially meaningful to him, helping shape the sailor and leader he would become. He later traveled the world with the VR-56 Globemasters before retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. Becoming a Navy Chief was an accomplishment he carried with tremendous pride, and the values he learned in the Navy—honor, loyalty, responsibility, leadership, and taking care of the people around him—remained with him throughout his life.

That commitment to service continued long after his military career. Ron was a dedicated member and Master Mason at Kempsville Masonic Lodge No. 196 A.F. & A.M., a Khedive Shriner, and a lifetime member of VFW Post 392 where he found both fellowship and another meaningful way to help others.

Ron embraced the Masonic principles of brotherhood, charity, integrity, and service, but he never treated them as words reserved for the Lodge. He carried them with him wherever he went. Through his Lodge and the Shrine, he participated in many charitable and community activities. He was especially proud of his involvement with the Khedive Roadrunners, helping transport children in need to medical appointments.

For Ron, being a Mason and a Shriner was never simply about belonging. It was about showing up, lending a hand, and making a difference in the lives of others.

Ron was also a lifelong car enthusiast, a much-loved part of his life. He belonged to the Khedive Autos and Mini 18 Wheelers, the Tidewater Mopar Club, and the Virginia Chevy Lovers. Among his favorites were his yellow Dodge Charger and prized yellow Chevy Monte Carlo. His love of cars extended to NASCAR, a passion he shared with Ron Jr. Some of his favorite memories were the trips they took together to races. He loved showing his cars and attending cruise-ins, but more than the cars themselves, he treasured the camaraderie and friendships he found in the car community.

Ron also enjoyed a long and successful career as a real estate broker and Realtor with Century 21 Top Producers, helping hundreds of families along the way. He received numerous professional honors and recognitions throughout his career, but the awards were never what mattered most to him.

The people did.

Over the years, many of Ron’s clients became friends. He enjoyed people, remembered their stories, and treated everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their occupation, background, financial circumstances, or position in life.

Ron had a way of making people feel welcome and valued. Whether someone knew him as Chief Clark, Brother Ron, their Realtor, a neighbor, a fellow car enthusiast, or simply a friend, he always had a way of making a connection.

Ron’s legacy cannot be measured by titles, awards, or possessions. It can be found in the family he loved so deeply, in nearly three decades of service to his country, in the children and families touched by his Masonic and Shrine service, in the hundreds of families he guided through his real estate career, and in the countless friendships that enriched his life.

He was a husband, father, and grandfather.

A Navy Chief.

A Mason.

A Shriner.

A Realtor.

A community servant.

And, above all, a friend.

On Ron’s desk was a handwritten note bearing a simple motto that reflected the way he lived:

“Stay humble, work hard, be kind.”

Ron did not just believe in those words.

He lived them.

And he did.