Ronald Craig Godshalk

Ronald Craig Godshalk passed away at his home on July 24, 2025 from multiple mental and physical illnesses. He was 77 years old.

Ron was born to John Leonard (Len) Godshalk and Jeanette Benchoff Godshalk (Metz) on December 9, 1947 in Baltimore, Maryland. Ron was the next to oldest of five brothers. Ron grew up in Silver Spring and Olney, Maryland and attended Sherwood High School in Sandy Spring, MD as did all of his brothers. During this time, Ron developed a passion for interior design and taking care of the family home in Olney, MD, including his lifelong passion of gardening. Ron attended the Washington School of Design and became a well-known interior designer in the Washington, DC area, ultimately obtaining the prestigious ASID designation. Ron enjoyed traveling, and lived and worked for a time on St. Croix, USVI, where he owned a home in the Frederiksted area and did both residential and commercial interior design. Ron participated in several design houses both in the Washington, DC area and in Southern Maryland. His design work was featured in several well-known books and magazines.

Ron had a passion for antiques, architecture, design and gardening and was able to combine all of those in his impressive renovation of Eutaw House (1998-2001) in Pomfret, MD (built ca. 1850), the former home of Cpt. William Fendlay Dement. Ron hosted many parties and gatherings at Eutaw House including the Southern Maryland Garden Club, family, friends and clients. Ron always had a historical southern story to tell everyone, and made sure they knew the correct story. For example, Ron liked to host cigar and scotch poker games in the garconniere, an octagonal building in the Eutaw House compound, and of course, made sure everyone knew what the garconniere was and how to pronounce it!

Ron had a passion for vintage cars and owned three Rolls Royce's at one point (luckily Eutaw House had a three car garage), and often attended Rolls Royce/Bentley gatherings in Maryland, and at one point was featured on the cover of Rolls Royce/Bentley magazine.

During Ron's motorcycle and tattoo phase, he moved to St. Petersburg, FL, from Maryland, where he lived for several years before moving to Dade City, FL.

Ron was an avid cook and was always hosting dinners, and watching cooking shows and trying new recipes. He loved to cook and come up with fun new ideas and recipes.

Ron had a passion for collectibles, and had many interesting antique paintings, sculptures, china and art objects. It was always fun to eat on expensive plates and bowls and with silver at his house.

Ron was a expert gardener and always loved to plant flowers, trees, cane, and interesting plants to enjoy them and to show to others.

Ron loved to play cards, and could often be found playing "hand and foot" or canasta with friends.

Ron is survived by his brothers David William Godshalk (Inge Foreman) and John Robbins Godshalk (Richard Davis). Ron is predeceased by his parents, his brothers Edward Leroy Godshalk and Gary Daniel Godshalk, and his sister-in-law Rita Godshalk.

The memorial service for Ron is private. Gifts in Ron's name can be made to the American Heart Association or Death With Dignity.