Ronald E. Waddy

The family of Ronald (Ron) Edward Waddy of Waterloo, IL is saddened to announce his passing on at the age of 83.

He fought a courageous battle with leukemia during last year of life, during which time, no matter the situation, he always shared a smile, a joke and a story. And, did he have the stories!

On October 24,1942 Ron was born in a small, rural town, Susquehanna, PA to Alice (Walker) Waddy and Edward M. Waddy. Ron was the second of four children in addition to a half brother Robert Waddy from his father's first marriage. Ron's first love was nature. He loved animals of all types. As a boy he even had a skunk for a pet! Ron had a reverence for the land and wanted to be a farmer. In fact in high school he excelled in agriculture and won a scholarship for land management. However, he gave up the scholarship and decided to enlist in the army.

In June 1960 Ron went to basic training at Fort Dix, NJ. This began a 21 year 9 month career in the United States Army. Ron served two tours of duty in Vietnam. His specialty was helicopter maintenance instructor and had expertise in: Systems Hydraulics, Power plant, Armament and Fight control systems. Helicopter Schools during 1962-63, Fort Hood, Texas 1965-1966. A year overseas in Korea. Vietnam tours in 1967-1968 and then again 1970-1971. Ron was an expert marksman. He traveled the world. He received the following awards and decorations: the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Metal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 device, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Citation w/Palm, Good Conduct Metal, Master Crewman Badge, Expert Rifle Badge, Sharpshooter Pistol Badge. 
Ron also received an Associate's degree in Business from the University of Maryland.

His first marriage in 1964, was to Sharon (House) Marshall who gave them three children: Daniel, Edward & Donna who filled his non-duty hours with hope and joy. 
Ron remarried, Dec. 20, 1975 to Harriet Marie Wittshack, a nurse, from Patchogue, Long Island, New York. They met in Norfolk, VA where Ron was stationed. Harriet was the oldest of six sisters. Harriet had seven children (many were young adults already). All Magliulos: Linda, Joseph, Laura, Sharon, Jeraldine, Ciro and Theodore. They joined families and then there were ten children!
After marriage Ron and Harriet were stationed in Frankfurt, Germany for many years, which they loved! They particularly enjoyed the "people's march" called Volksmarch walking throughout the German countryside along rivers and through villages. They made many friends and traveled to various European destinations.

In November of 1982 Ron retired from "active duty". Ron continued working for the government. This brought him to St. Louis, MO working for Aviation Systems Command (AVSCOM) National Maintenance Control Point (NMCP) Job title 1670 GS-9. In October of 1997, Ron took another government job and temporarily moved to Huntsville, AL. Ron officially retired November of 2003.

After moving to the St. Louis area, Ron and Harriet bought a country home in Waterloo, IL. They were both avid gardeners and animals lovers. Ron & Harriet traveled the region and enjoyed visiting little towns, going to auctions and meeting people. They traveled to their children's milestone events all over the country. Their children and grandchildren were in an integral part of their lives.

Ron is survived by his only sister, Marie Waddy Almy, son, Edward Waddy, and daughter Donna Waddy Searcy (Kenny) stepchildren, Joseph Magliulo (Jeanie), Laura Bulman (Terry), Sharon Magliulo (Wayne), Jeraldine Magliulo and Ciro Magliulo (Pauline).

Ron was predeceased in death by: his parents, Edward and Alice Waddy, his wife, Harriet Waddy, his older brother, James Waddy, younger brother, Raymon Waddy, older half brother Robert Waddy, his son, Daniel Waddy, his stepdaughter, Linda Magliulo, and his stepson, Theodore Magliulo. In addition, between all ten children, he had sixteen grandchildren.

During Ron's illness, his stepson, Theodore's, ex partner, Margaret Rushing and Ron's friend, Dave Gibson, were dedicated, invaluable helpers for Ron. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Our family also thanks all of Ron's VA doctors and nurses at John Cochrane's VA Hospital, St. Louis, MO and Jefferson Barracks VA Hospice who gave him the best of care, dignity, comfort and respect.

Loved by all. We're going to miss you Dad and Grandpa. You taught us so much!

"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." - Pericles.

Ron will be buried at, Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery St. Louis, MO next to his wife Harriet Waddy.