Ronald Joseph Schilling Sr., 81, passed away peacefully after a short illness on May 5, 2026, at his home in Estero, Florida.

Ron was born in Baltimore, Maryland on August 7, 1944, to Martin H. Schilling and Frances E. Schilling (White). He was the youngest of four children alongside his siblings Martin, Frances, and George. He attended St. Bernard's Grammar School and later Loyola Blakefield High School, graduating in 1962. After earning his Associate degree, Ron proudly served six years in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1972.

From a young age until just a few days before his passing, Ron was a devoted Baltimore sports fan. He was a Baltimore Colts season ticket holder beginning at the age of 9 and remained deeply passionate about the team throughout his life. After the Colts left Baltimore, Ron became a loyal Baltimore Ravens season ticket holder. He was also a longtime Baltimore Orioles season ticket holder from the time he was a young boy. Ron loved the Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore Colts, and Baltimore Ravens, and was known for his incredible memory of sports statistics. Friends frequently called him with sports questions, and he especially enjoyed attending games and sharing memories with his cousin Pat.

One of Ron's favorite lifelong memories was attending the legendary 1958 NFL Championship Game — often referred to as "The Greatest Game Ever Played" — between the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants at Yankee Stadium alongside his cousin Pat when they were 14 and 17 years old. Earlier, in 1956, Ron and Pat also attended the Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C.

Above all else, Ron was a devoted family man. He was the loving father of Ronald J. Schilling Jr. and Rebecca L. Schilling. He was first married to Dolores Grace Bennett and later found lasting companionship and love with Sheila Soul Schilling, whom he married in 2007.

To say family meant everything to Ron would be an understatement. As the last surviving sibling, he naturally became the family patriarch and a guiding presence for his many nieces and nephews. He was a proud grandfather to Bailie L. Quidley and R.J. Schilling III, and was overjoyed to welcome his first great-grandson, Riggs P. Quidley, in March 2025. He was also eagerly anticipating the arrival of his great-granddaughter this July.

Ron was an avid sports fan, lifelong music lover, gifted storyteller, and someone who could make everyone around him laugh. If he had one fault, it was simply that he was too nice. He had a warmth and kindness that drew people to him everywhere he went.

He began his professional career in sales with Singer, where he sold educational filmstrips and materials to Departments of Education. In 1982, he began building his own packaging business, BC Lucas, which he successfully operated for nearly four decades. Ron built not only a successful company, but also a workplace culture rooted in loyalty, mentorship, and care. To many of his employees and their families, he became a father figure and trusted friend.

After retiring, Ron and Sheila made Southwest Florida their full-time home after many happy years as "snowbirds." In Estero, he continued to enjoy golf, music, storytelling, and making lifelong friendships while always finding the bright side of life.

Ron is survived by his soulmate, Sheila Soul Schilling; his son, Ronald J. Schilling Jr. (Sharon); his daughter, Rebecca L. Schilling; his grandchildren, Bailie L. Quidley (Luke) and R.J. Schilling III (Lydia); his great-grandson, Riggs P. Quidley; his beloved cousin John Patrick Brennan; and numerous cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Martin, George, and Frances.

A viewing will be held at Ruck Funeral Home, 1050 York Road, Towson, Maryland 21204, on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 2:00 PM–4:00 PM and 6:00 PM–8:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be held at the chapel on Friday, May 15, 2026. Interment to follow at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Avow Hospice.

Ron will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his kindness, generosity, humor, and unwavering devotion to family and friend