Ronald James Keller

Ron Keller of the High Banks area Easton, MD, died at the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center in Easton on March 30, 2015, with his loving and devoted wife, Mary Lou, at his side. He was 76 years old. Ron was born in Braddock, PA, on September 3, 1938, to the late Anna Kovacic and Findley J. Keller. He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara June Yeager of Chatham, MA; and a brother, Frank Keller who died at age 2 years. He attended Pitcairn High School in Pitcairn, PA, and graduated in the Class of 1957. After high school, he joined the Air Force and served eight years which included serving in Alaska, Massachusetts and Spain. Ron married the love of his life Mary Lou Illig of Irwin, PA, on July 22, 1961. They resided in Springfield, MA, until December, 1962, and then Ron was transferred to Seville, Spain where they lived until December of 1965. Ron was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1965 after serving for eight years. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Maryland University College in College Park, MD, in 1967, and earned a Master’s Degree in Economics in 1974 from American University in Washington, DC. He briefly worked for Pepco in Washington during the summer of 1967 while waiting for a government clearance. Ron worked for the Central Intelligence Agency in Langley, VA, from 1967 until 1985, then transferred to the Defense Intelligence Agency on Bowling Air Force Base in Washington DC. Ron was a senior program manager for the Scientific and Technical Branch of the Department of Defense’s Defense Intelligence Agency where he worked until 1993, retiring after 33 years of dedicated government service. Mr. Keller received the Defense Intelligence Agency’s Exceptional Civilian Service Award on October 27, 1992, which was presented by James R. Clapper Jr. Lieutenant General, U. S. Air Force Director. Ron loved ballroom dancing, swimming, and cruising. He was passionate about watching the University of Maryland Terrapins play basketball and football. Ron was a long-time contributor of the University of Maryland Terrapin Scholarship Fund and the University of Maryland University College Scholarship Fund for returning veterans. Mr. Keller is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Lou Keller, and several nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions can be made to the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center, 219 S. Washington St., Easton Maryland 21601. A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, April 10, 2015, from 6:00 pm-8:00 p.m. at the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., 200 South Harrison Street, Easton, Maryland.

Ronald James Keller

September 3, 1938 - March 30, 2015