Captain Ronald C. Pickup Ret.'s Obituary
Captain Ronald C. Pickup, U. S. Coast Guard (Ret.) was born in Providence, Rhode Island on October 7, 1936, to Chester and Agnes (Josephson) Pickup. He graduated from Robert E. Fitch High School, Groton, Connecticut in June 1954. He was attending Mitchell Junior College in New London, Connecticut when he won an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy in New London. He graduated in June 1960 and was awarded a bachelor’s degree in engineering and was commissioned ENSIGN, U. S. Coast Guard.
In 1960, Ronald was married to the former Ann (Garland) Pickup, and had three children, Lisa, Scott, and Karen.
His first assignment after graduation was on board the Cutter Barataria, homeported in Portland, Maine. Followed by tours of duty at the Coast Guard LORAN Station in Pusan, Korea, the Marine Inspection Office in Los Angeles/Long Beach California, and back to sea aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Winnebago in Honolulu, Hawaii. The vessel was deployed to the far East and served ten months in the Viet Nam conflict.
From 1969 to 1973 he was assigned to the Marine Safety Office, Cleveland, Ohio, the last two years in the capacity as Executive Officer. From 1973 to 1977 he was assigned to the Merchant Vessel Inspection Division, Office of Marine Safety in Washington, DC. He returned to Cleveland and served one year as the Chief of the Environmental Protection Branch, Marine Safety Division, in the Office of the Commander Ninth Coast Guard District. In 1978 to 1981, he was assigned to the Marine Safety Office, Cleveland. Ohio as Commanding Officer.
He returned to Washington, DC during the summer of 1981 and was assigned to the Office of Merchant Marine Safety and appointed Chief of the Traveling Inspection Staff in May of 1984. He held that position until reporting to Baltimore, MD Marine Safety Office as Commanding Officer in 1985. He retired from the Coast Guard in 1987 and began a new career in Real Estate for 20 years. He also served as a part-time Inspector for the Panama Bureau of Shipping. His passions included family, friends, sports, golfing, and boating.
Captain Pickup was a devoted husband to Audrey for 42 years, and stepfather to her sons, Richard, and Todd.
He was predeceased by his parents Chester and Agnes and his brother Wayne Pickup of Burnt Hills, NY.
He is survived by his wife Audrey Pickup of Fenwick Island, DE, children, and stepchildren: Scott Pickup (Leslie) of Monroe, CT, Lisa Manz of Strongsville, OH, and Karen Lawler (Mike) of Avon, OH, Richard Wawrzeniak (Jennifer) of Salisbury, MD, and Todd Wawrzeniak (Shannon) of Easton, MD. and eleven grandchildren: Brian W. Pickup, Sarah A. Pickup, Jeffrey T. Pickup, Robin E. Manz, Jacob M. Lawler, Kelsey A. Lawler, Mason T. Lawler, Gavin M. Wawrzeniak, Cameron J. Wawrzeniak, Mason A. Wawrzeniak and Hayden C. Wawrzeniak. He also leaves behind his two brothers-in-law, Henry E. (Jamie) Wetmore of Middleburg Hts., OH and William C. Wetmore of Middleburg Hts., OH and dear cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John H. Burbage Cancer Center, 9707 Healthway Drive 21811 or the Doric Lodge #30, 35476 Atlantic Avenue, Millville, DE 19967, or Compassionate Care Hospice, 416 Williams Street, Suite 101, Milford, DE. 19963.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Clarksville Chapel, Ocean View, DE 19970, where Masonic Services will begin at 12:00 PM, with visitation an hour prior. Chapel Committal service with military honors will follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE 19966.
The family would like to invite all to join them in gathering at Doyle’s Restaurant, 38218 DuPont Blvd., Selbyville, DE 19975 immediately following Veteran’s Cemetery.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3:00 PM ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024, TO OUR OCEAN VIEW LOCATION.
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