Ronald William Conaway's Obituary
Ronald William Conaway, 78, passed away Sunday, January 27, 2019 at his home in Seaford, Delaware surrounded by loved ones. Ronald was born September 14, 1940 to Marshall T. and Hilda F. Conaway, the oldest of five children. Ronald attended high school in Bridgeville before serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1958 until 1962 and was honorably discharged on April 8, 1964. He graduated from James H. Groves High School in 1972.
Ronald joined the E.I. DuPont Company in Seaford and was employed there for 32 years, retiring in 1996. After retiring, Ronald worked for an outside contractor at the same DuPont site for four more years to help train maintenance staff in the Engineering Department. While working for DuPont, he met his beautiful bride of 51 years, Ruth Dukes Conaway.
Ronald was Past Grand Master of A.F. and A.M. of Delaware 2005-2006 as well as Worshipful Master of Hope Lodge No. 4 Laurel in 1998-1999 and again in 2001-2002. His other Masonic affiliations include: Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite 33°, Valley of Wilmington, Delaware Lodge of Research, NUR Shrine, Hope Chapter No. 7 Royal Arch Masons, Saint Andrews Commandery No. 2, candidate for the Delaware College, member of the Delaware Colonials, member of the Tall Cedars, Past Vice President and President of the Kent and Sussex Scottish Rite Club, member of the Lower Delaware Shrine Club, member of the Lower Delaware Shield and Square Club and member of the Past Masters Club and Degree Team. Ronald enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He had a variety of interests during his lifetime: football in high school, Little League Umpire, and Cub Master. He also enjoyed hunting on the family farm, surf fishing, long distance casting, and camping. He was gregarious and well-known for his infectious smile complemented by his positive, kind, and compassionate spirit.
Ronald is survived by his wife, Ruth; daughter, Angela Naylor (Sonny Warrington); son, Timothy Conaway (Julia); and daughter, Eleanor “Suzette” Marine (Kevin); grandchildren: Michael Short, Jr. (Cathy), Michelle Lecates (Chad), Brittany Cole (Omosanya), Alexa Mercie (Keith); great grandchildren: Landon Short, Kennedy Cole, Emmitt Short, and Devyn Cole; sister, Edna “Fay” Shufelt; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his brothers: Larry Conaway and Richard Conaway; and his sister, Ruth Ann Coulbourn.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 2:30 PM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel, 202 Laws Street, Bridgeville, Delaware, where friends may call beginning at 1:00 PM. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ronald’s memory to Hope Lodge No. 4, 102 West 6th Street, Laurel, Delaware 19956.
Please sign the online guestbook located on this site.
FLORAL NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3PM, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019 TO OUR BRIDGEVILLE LOCATION.
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