Ronald C Glidden

Ronald Chester Glidden February 20, 1939 – June 29, 2025
Ronald Chester Glidden of Williamsburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of June 29, 2025, following a brief illness.
Born in Montville, Maine, Ron was the eldest son of Averill and Glenys Glidden. A scholarship recipient, he attended the University of Maine, where he was an active member of the ROTC. He graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and was commissioned that same year as a Second Lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps of the United States Army. In 1964, he earned a Master's degree from the University of Kentucky and subsequently entered active duty.
Ron's distinguished 20-year military career included service in Vietnam and assignments at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Frankfurt, Germany; and South Korea, among others. He retired in 1984 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Following his military service, Ron enjoyed a successful civilian career, holding executive positions at Virginia Life and Colonial Penn.
While in Kentucky, Ron met his future wife, Bernice Little Glidden. They married in June 1969 and spent the next 51 years cultivating a life centered around their extended families, friends and the raising and showing of Arabian horses. Known for their hospitality and love of entertaining, Ron and Bernice maintained beautiful homes in scenic locations at various times including farms in West Grove, PA and Williamsburg, VA where they warmly welcomed family and friends with laughter, abundant food, and gracious entertaining.
Though they had no children of their own, Ron and Bernice delighted in the company of children, especially their nieces and nephews. Their home was often the site of birthday celebrations, horseback rides, sleepovers, amusement park adventures, and even a few weddings.
After Bernice's passing in 2020, Ron moved to The Governor's Land at Two Rivers in Williamsburg, where he continued to host friends and family, refine his culinary talents, rekindle his love of bridge, and build new friendships. He was instrumental in founding a Singles Club within the community, further extending his circle of companionship.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Bernice, his brother Gary Glidden, and his cousin Patsy Miller. He is survived by his cousin and dear friend Ramona Hilborn (Terry), nephews and nieces Roxanne Ryan (Stuart) and Cheryl French (James) of Maine, George Little (Martha) and Rick Little (Lisa) of Florida, Jennifer Kunkler and Patrick Little (Tina) of Georgia, John Little (Marie) and Allison Coyle (Mike) of NC, Meredith Russell of Colorado and many grandnieces and grandnephews who mourn his loss and treasure the memories they shared.
He is also fondly remembered by close friends Ann and Phil McFadden, Carol Rolston and her family, Carol Fahn, and Gloria Powell, all of whom provided care and comfort during his final months.
Ron will be remembered as an honorable and patriotic man whose life was defined by service, integrity, generosity, and devotion to those he loved. His quick wit and wry sense of humor will be deeply missed.
A celebration of Ron's life will be held at his home, with details to be announced. He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.