Ronald Lemoine Barnett Jr.

Ronald Lemoine Barnett, 58, of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, passed away on November 7, 2025, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Born on May 18, 1967, Ron lived a life defined by devotion to his family, dedication to aviation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in everything he did.

Ron discovered his love for flying at a young age and began his training at Moore Aviation at the Beaver County Airport, where he earned his ratings and later returned as a flight instructor. He shared his passion by teaching and mentoring new pilots, many of whom credited him with shaping the very beginning of their aviation careers. Ron went on to graduate from Geneva College, completing the educational foundation that supported his lifelong work as a professional aviator.

Ron's airline career began at Chautauqua Airlines and continued at Northwest Airlines before he joined Delta Air Lines, where he served with great pride. As a Line Check Captain on the Airbus A330, he was respected for his calm leadership, deep operational knowledge, and ability to mentor pilots during some of the most important transitions of their careers. Flying was never just a job to Ron-it was his calling, his craft, and one of his greatest joys.

In addition to his flying career, Ron contributed significantly to pilot advocacy and labor work through roles with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). He served on several committees at Northwest Airlines, including the Negotiating Committee, where he played a meaningful role in guiding contract and pension discussions during a pivotal time for the airline. He also supported the creation of the groundbreaking first pilot contract for the newly formed Compass Airlines-an agreement that introduced several innovative and forward-thinking provisions. Ron later continued his service on the ALPA National Retirement & Insurance Committee until the Northwest–Delta merger in 2009.

Ron lived his life with a "go big or go home" spirit. He was compassionate, steady, strong-willed, and endlessly generous with his time. Whether in a cockpit, a classroom, a meeting room, or at home with the people he loved most, Ron led with integrity, humor, and heart. His presence made others feel grounded, supported, and seen.

Above all, Ron was devoted to his family. He is survived by his partner, Linda Bailleul; his children, Reegan Barnett and Ross Barnett; Linda's son, Nicolas Bailleul; his mother, Mary Ann Barnett; his sisters, Madonna Barnett and Rebecca Conger; his nephew Nate Conger; and the mother of his children, Beth Barnett. Ron's love for his family was unwavering, and he carried immense pride in each of them.

Ron's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched-in the pilots he trained and mentored, the colleagues he inspired, the passengers he carried safely around the world, and the family that adored him. His impact will be felt for generations.

He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.