Col. Ronald Eugene Connors, Sr.

                                         Colonel Ronald Eugene Connors

                                              Sunrise - March 15, 1937

                                              Sunset - January 1, 2025

Colonel Ronald Eugene Connors, United States Air Force, 87 of Arlington, Virginia departed this earth January 1, 2025, after a brief illness. He was born March 15, 1937, in the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, son of the late Roney Rhodes Connors and Margaret (Daisy) Gibson Connors. He attended Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania where he studied Physics and was a member of Pi Lambda Phi fraternity. While at Washington & Jefferson College, he was drafted by the Army in 1961. Due to his education status at the time, his draft was transferred to the Air Force. After completing Basic Training, Ronald was able to complete his college education. Upon graduation in 1961 he began his honorable military career at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He served state-side on numerous Air Force bases and Air Force bases around the world. His service to the country included being assigned to the Air Force Division at the Pentagon. He also received a master’s degree from George Washington in Washington, D.C. in 1975 Ronald and his early life partner, Rachel Barren became parents to son Ronald Eugene Connors, II.

Colonel Connors military education and training included: Air War College, Armed Forced Staff College, Industrial College of Armed Forced, Air Command & Staff College, USAF OTS-BMT, Ground Electronic Officer, Communication Staff Officer, and Squadron Officer School. Highly decorated, he was awarded the following: Defense Meritorious, Meritorious Service, Two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with One Bronze Leaf Cluster, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with One Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Service Star.

In 1987, Ronald retired as a full colonel and founded REComp, Inc., a military contracting firm he owned until 2006. He was devoted to Sharon (Tifphyne) Ward, his partner for the past 37 years and together, they enjoyed spending time with their long-time military friends. Ronald always looked forward to golfing with family members and friends for many years, especially with his son Ronnie, brother-in-law Douglas, and nephew Connor. He was particularly fond of the times he would spend with his foursome golf partners Bob Hill, Bill Janacek, and Ed Szmcaek.

Colonel Connors was a good and faithful servant to his country, family, and others. He leaves to mourn partner Sharon (Tifphyne) Ward, his beloved son, Ronald Eugene Connors II (Suzanne), granddaughter Marissa Suzanne Connors; loving aunt Dr. Barbara Gibson Hundley, sisters Adrienne Connors Beachem (deceased Timothy), Janet Connors Frost (Douglas). He was a loving and devoted uncle to nieces Tomika Cottrill, Racquel Beachem Kastelic (Kenneth Jack III), Sheana Beachem (Justin Thomas), Lexis Frost, and nephew Connor Frost, along with seven great nieces and nephews and a host of Gibson and Connors family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Ronald Eugene Connors, III, and Sari Ward. Ronald will be greatly missed as a partner, a father, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle, and a cousin. We love you with all our hearts. 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 9th, at Advent Funeral Home, 7211 Lee Highway Falls, Church VA. 22046 followed by a celebration of life gathering. Colonel Connors final interment will be Arlington Cemetery at a determined date by the Air Force.