Ronald Edward Roark, loved sports, boating
Ronald Edward Roark, 75, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes. He was born July 7, 1948, in Abingdon, Va., son of the late Edward and Grace Roark.
Growing up, Ron loved sports, especially playing flag football and softball on most weekends. Ron’s dedication to the Philadelphia sports teams was unparalleled; he was a faithful and devoted fan. Ron built much of his career in automotive sales, owning his own dealership and ultimately retiring as a sales manager after many dedicated years at Martin Honda in Newark. Upon moving to Rehoboth, he enjoyed several years working for Cape May-Lewes Ferry in Lewes.
Ron was a lifelong boating enthusiast, avid hunter and accomplished fisherman. Ron felt most at home on the Delaware Bay fishing and crabbing with his family. As his family continued to grow over the years, he would often remark, “I think we need a bigger boat!” When Ron’s sons began playing sports, he took extreme pride in coaching and supporting them in wrestling, football and baseball. He would move heaven and earth not to miss a game!
More than anything, Ron cherished the time he spent with his family and those he held most dear, including his pitbulls, Mya and Vida Blu. He was a rare combination of a man who loved the simple things in life, portraying honesty, humility and hard work in everything he did, and teaching his family the importance of family. Ron was a loving and devoted husband, father, pop-pop, and friend. His smile would immediately make you feel at ease, and even as his health declined, he never lost his sense of humor. Loved by many, he will be genuinely missed by all who had the privilege and good fortune to know him.
In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his son, Eddie Roark; his grandsons, Michael Roark and Jonathan Roark; and sister, Evelyn Roark. Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Claudia Roark of Rehoboth Beach; his sons, Ronald Roark (Shannon) of Newark, Michael Roark of Seaford, Christopher Roark (Marcy) of Rehoboth Beach, Matthew Roark (Brooke) of Wilmington, and Adam Roark (Kristen) of Lewes; his grandchildren, Megan (Drew), Jeremy, Kaitlyn, Kyle, Makayla, Emma, Noah, Kane, Brody, Savannah, and a little granddaughter on the way; and many extended family and friends.
Ron’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Beebe Healthcare emergency room staff, as well as Sherri Applegate, Brandy Gibbons and all the caregivers at Accent Care Hospice for their loving care and support.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 23, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, consider a contribution to Accent Care Hospice, seasonsfoundation.org.
Visit Ronald’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
