RONALD ARTHUR BOSS, Captain, U.S. Navy, Retired

Ron was born January 3rd, 1941, in Fredonia, New York. He was the second son born to Edward and Wilda (Powell) Boss. The first son died after only 11 days, so Ron was the big brother to his siblings Daniel and Deborah. He graduated from Fredonia High School and received a congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. 

After four years of study and lots of time sailing, Ron graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering on June 6th, 1962. His first duty assignment was aboard the USS Ault (DD-698) a Sumner class destroyer. He visited the Mediterranean and other ports while aboard her. He was later transferred to Newport, Rhode Island to attend Surface Warfare Officer’s school. He was aboard the USS Glover (AGDE1) during her construction and first year of operation. 

His training with the Navy continued when he was sent to the Naval Postgraduate school in Monterey, California. It was while he was there working on his master’s degree in engineering that he met his future wife, Sally Webster, on April Fool’s Day 1967. After a short courtship, they decided to get married on September 2nd in the East Cleveland Baptist Church where Sally’s parents were married. September 2nd was also the anniversary of his parents’ wedding. 

Upon completing his master’s degree, the Navy transferred the young couple to Toledo, Ohio where Ron oversaw the building of a ship for the Thai Navy. While there they started their family in March 1971 with the adoption of two boys, Kevin (4) and David (3) followed shortly after by the birth of James in September 1971.  

Another transfer by the Navy took the growing family to the Washington, DC area. While living in Sterling, VA, they discovered that the oldest brother of Kevin and David was available for adoption, so Eric joined the family in August 1972. Now with four boys and numerous dogs and cats, they needed a bigger house. Arlington, Virginia ended up being the place for them and they settled into the small community of Glencarlyn. Ron became an Assistant Scoutmaster for the local Boy Scout troop and went on many campouts and canoe trips with the boys.  

By 1978, Ron had advanced to the rank of Commander and the Navy transferred the family to Groton, CT where he was the supervisor of ship building at Electric Boat overseeing the building of Los Angeles and Ohio Class submarines. He continued to enjoy going on hikes and campouts with all the boys. 

After only 2 ½ years, the Navy needed Ron back in Arlington. This time he was the head of his department at Naval Sea Systems Command. While working on satellite navigation systems and missile systems he was promoted to Captain. In 1985 his services were needed back in California where he was assigned as the Commanding Officer of the Naval Plant Representative Office in Sunnyvale. This assignment lasted five years and he was again transferred. This time he moved to Annapolis, Maryland where he was close to his youngest son who was following in his footsteps at the Naval Academy. 

After almost 30 years in the Navy, Ron decided to retire in 1991. He spent time with Sally traveling to Alaska, Australia, Israel and the four corners of the US. He worked for a short time as the Project manager for the Washington Metro system overseeing the construction of the new control system. A heart attack in 1993 convinced him it was time to quit altogether. He devoted himself more to his faith and was more active in Bible studies, service with the Gideon’s and other volunteer work.  

Twenty-five years after moving to Annapolis, Ron and Sally decided to move to Word of Life in Hudson, FL. They bought a park model home in the RV park and enjoyed living in the sunshine state. Ron continued his work with the Gideon’s, visiting churches and speaking. He also enjoyed traveling with Sally as they visited their children and grandchildren. 

Ron started having trouble with memory issues and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in May 2023. After a difficult battle against the disease, he went home to be with the Lord on October 11th, 2023. 

He is survived by his brother Daniel, sister Debbie Slakes, Sally, his wife of 56 years, his sons Eric, Kevin (Michelle), and Jim (Theresa). His grandchildren Travis William (Kate), Rebecca Lemmon (Spencer), Travis Arthur, Elizabeth, Christopher and his great-grandson Aidan. 

A Celebration of his life will be held on Veteran’s Day, November 11th, 2023, at 2pm at Blessed Hope Baptist Church, 8806 Casper Ave, Hudson, FL. The service will be followed by an Ice Cream Social as Ron Loved Ice Cream! 

He will be interred at the Columbarium at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.  

In Lieu of flowers please consider supporting one of Ron’s favorite ministries: 

The Gideon’s International PO Box 97251 Washington, DC 20090-7251 

www.gideons.org 1-866-382-4253 

Answers in Genesis PO Box 510 Hebron, KY 41048 

www.answersingenesis.org 1-800-778-3390