Obituary for Ronald G. Dircks 10/30/1936-03/24/2022
Capt. Ron Dircks took his final flight to heaven on March 24th 2022, after a peaceful pain free week with his family by his side. He is survived by his lifelong love-wife Ellen of 62 years, having known each other for 72 years.
Growing up on the same block in Bellerose, NY, they never knew life without each other. He had been flying since age 15, gaining his pilot's license before his driver's license. He served as a pilot in the USAF for 7 years and as a Captain for American Airlines for 30 years. Part of the 'Greatest Generation'. He was truly the greatest example of a husband and father for his sons Doug and Paul and his daughter Lynn, her husband Scott and his 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. His family was his greatest accomplishment, but he can be remembered as well for his love of flying and serving the Lord through his generosity of time and resources.
Ron graduated from New York University with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He wrote training manuals for America Airlines, but far preferred soaring thought the clouds. A first-generation American, his parents emigrated from Germany before WW II. When his father had a heart attack, he took over his father's position as foreman, building the Long Island Arena so his father would have his position after recovery; he was only 20 yrs. old. He volunteered in many capacities at the churches he was involved in; notably as a member of Genesis Orlando and supporter of Straight Street (feeding the homeless), participant of missions trips to Romania and volunteering many hours as head of church council. His generosity knew no bounds as he has purchased homes and vehicles for others with no expectation of return. As a follower of Jesus Christ, he did it all for the Lord.
After retiring he became the Captain of his RV, driving across America, which he loved so much, visiting his family across the country. He loved piloting his model RC aircraft with RC
World spending hours flipping burgers in the "Weenie Wagon" for his aviation minded friends. He put in many nautical miles on 17 cruises around the world with various friends and family. He loved and is loved by not only his immediate family but his nieces, his sister-in-law Kathi, and his best friend Guy whom he knew since birth, and so many unnamed that his life has touched.
In leu of flowers please consider donating to Straight Street ministry feeding the homeless though Genesis Church at this site: straightstreet.org/giving or 5120 Legacy Oaks Dr. Orlando FL 32839
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 23rd, at 11 am at Dover Shores Baptist Church, 551 Gaston Foster Rd. Orlando.