Ronald Henry Wilkens

Ronald Henry Wilkens, age 82, of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away on April 14, 2021 at Gilchrist Hospice in Towson, Maryland. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the son of the late Howard and Grace Wilkens and husband of Patricia Wilkens. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army with his XMBA from Loyola College. Ron devoted his entire 46-year-career as an Industrial Engineer at Bethlehem Steel in Sparrows Point, Maryland. Ron loved the mountains and for more than 50 years created meaningful memories with his family and friends at Cowans Gap State Park. He was a sentimental, caring, and kind man who was proud of his German heritage. His family was his greatest priority, and he devoted his life to helping ensure their success and happiness. Ron’s wife of 60 years, Patty, was the center of his world. He would do anything for Patty, including countless shopping trips to Amish markets and Boscov’s. His favorite holiday was Christmas and his infamous train gardens were adored by many people, including his granddaughters and great nieces who celebrated many holidays in his beautifully decorated home. Ron’s piano playing also filled the home with love and laughter as he played Christmas carols, followed by his grand finale with his infamous Sweet Georgia Brown! Mr. Wilkens created an entertaining backyard oasis with his pool, wishing well shaped grill, fishponds and American flag. Many a family and friend gathering were enjoyed in his home of 48 years. More than anything, Ron loved to teach. After retiring from Bethlehem Steel, he spent 13 years as a full-time substitute teacher at Harford Technical High School. This is where he forged many strong friendships and mentorships with students, who he respected and loved like his own children. Many of these kids have remained by Ron's side to this very day and most recently they created a landmark Harford Tech bench to celebrate “Mr. Ron”. Ron was an active and competitive man who hiked the mountains, worked hard around his home, supported the athletic teams at Harford Tech and in his 50's played racquetball with guys 30 years younger. He was proud of his country and wanted to ensure everyone respected their historical roots and took advantage of future opportunities. Many people who met Ronald Wilkens were touched in one way or another. He always hoped people would learn something valuable from him, whether how to read, solve a math problem, play a musical instrument, fix an engineering project, build a train garden, take care of a fishpond, stay out of trouble, or pay tribute to our American flag and veterans of our military. He was an honest, fair and trustworthy man filled with kindness and love. He would be honored if others modeled his behavior and paid it forward by sharing what they learned from “Ron, Mr. Ron, Pop Pop or Dad”. His genuine nature will be greatly missed by many, but we rejoice in our amazing memories of Ronald Wilkens.

In addition to his loving wife, Ron is survived by his son, Ronald C. Wilkens and his wife Lisa; daughter, Roxanne E. Moore and her husband Kirk; grandchildren, Cameron and Joslyn Moore, and Tricia (David) Collison; and great grandchildren, Lorenzo, Devin, and Jackson Collison.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Rhonda A. Wilkens, and brother, Raymond Wilkens.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Ronald Wilkens honor to either Harford Technical High School 200 Thomas Run Rd., Bel Air, MD 21015 or Gilchrist Hospice in Towson, MD.