Ronald Irvin Uhlfelder

Ronald Irvin Uhlfelder, 81, of Catonsville, MD died peacefully on October 10, 2025 at Harbor Hospital. Life and Family Believe it or not, Ron was born a tiny premature baby on June 18th, 1944 in Baltimore, MD to the late Irvin Uhlfelder and Bernadette Wise. Ronnie, as he was affectionately called, grew up with three sisters – the late Bernie (Wes) Hash Brown, Cindy (Wayne) Tunney, and Debbie (Doug) Ammlung. He spent his childhood in Baltimore, and teenage years with his Aunt Edith and Uncle Gus Cooksey in La Plata, MD. Ronnie’s dimples and contagious smile helped him to charm his way into people’s hearts. Ron enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1962, at age 18. He served for four years, stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. He loved to share stories of his time in the Air Force, especially the time he landed himself on the wrong side of the Berlin wall after going a stop too far on the U-Bahn. He said that joining the Air Force “straightened him out” and he proudly wore his Air Force hat until his final days. After returning to Baltimore, Ron met and married Renée (later divorced) and had two daughters - Misty (John) Troll and Mary (Joel) DePalma. Being a father was the most meaningful role Ron would have in his life and he loved his daughters completely. When his girls were married, he loved John and Joel as if they were his own. A country boy at heart, Ron spent 17 years in Georgia after his daughters were grown. He loved his friends in Reidsville and Collins and his darling Judy. Ron had his own antiques shop, which was jam packed, floor to ceiling with “collectables”. Lucky for his family, Ron returned to Baltimore after he was bestowed with the name Poppy - his favorite name of all. He wanted to be close to his four grandchildren (Amelia, Emery, Lola, and Desmond) and wanted to be involved in their lives. And involved he was - Poppy wouldn’t miss a chance to see his grandchildren and was always so proud of them. Work Ron held many jobs throughout his lifetime, including sound systems installer, retail at Montgomery Wards, and a 20-year career at UPS where he drove a package delivery truck, tractor trailers, and then went into management. After retiring from UPS, he was a mail hauler, and check casher while living in GA. Ron was a hard worker and excellent provider for his family, and only had one sick day in all 20 years at UPS. Church A Child of God, after being raised Catholic, preferring flea markets to church for years (he was ahead of his time), worshipping in a Southern Baptist Church and at Mosaic Church, Ron more recently became a member of Catonsville United Methodist Church. He could be found there smiling on Sundays and also at the weekly community lunch, where he befriended everyone. A Good Man Ron loved his nieces, nephews, and in-laws, and had special relationships with many of them. He always provided a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen. He had many friendships that lasted decades - from childhood, neighbors in Violetville, UPS, his Georgia days, from his veteran’s group, and most recently from his apartment at St. Mark’s, where all of his neighbors looked out for him. Ron had a true gift of being able to connect with others. If someone needed something, he would give his help, money, or even the shirt off of his back. There was a soft spot in Ron’s big heart for someone going through hard times or down on their luck. He did not hesitate to help a friend, family member, neighbor, coworker, or even a stranger if they were ever in a bind, because he could empathize greatly with them. A few of Ron’s trademarks were his Hawaiian shirts and flip flops (even in the cold winter months), his love for dogs and cats (and they loved him back!), having constant rotation of motorcycles and classic cars, acquiring the latest electronics and gadgets (and then mysteriously breaking them soon after), and surviving on a diet of cereal, peanut butter crackers, and donuts. Celebration of Life God seemed to grant Ron more lives than even a cat – he most recently said he was on #14. It was this world’s loss but Heaven’s gain when Ron passed away. In his final days, Ron had a stream of constant visitors; family and dear friends came from all over to tell him how much of an impact he had on their lives. His heart must have been completely filled with love. Ron’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 8th at 11:00 AM at Catonsville United Methodist Church, 6 Melvin Avenue Catonsville, MD 21228. Wear your Hawaiian shirts and join us for a dessert party & luncheon in the Social Hall after the service. There will be plenty of time for socializing (Ron’s favorite). The family would love to hear your own stories about good times with Ron – please feel free to write them down or share them out loud at his service. Also, plan to eat at least four desserts in honor of Ron, he would want that. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron’s loving memory to the Warm Welcome Lunch Mission Fund at Catonsville UMC, a free lunch with a warm welcome for all that Ron really looked forward to attending each week. Please also consider donating blood at the American Red Cross in thanks for the many pints of blood Ron received in the past year.

Ronald Irvin Uhlfelder

June 18, 1944 - October 10, 2025