Col. Ronald Frank Calta

08/01/1939 - 05/29/2025

Ronald Frank Calta, a longtime resident of Fairfax, Virginia, passed away on May 29, 2025. He was born on August 1, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska and raised there, the son of Frank C. Calta and Beatrice V. (Navratil) Calta. Ron attended Iowa State University, where he met his wife of more than 60 years (the former Martha Collins) and was commissioned a Marine Corps artillery officer upon his graduation in 1961. They resided at numerous U.S. posts from coast to coast, including in his beloved home state where he earned an M.S. in Civil Engineering at the University of Nebraska. His foreign duties were in Vietnam, Japan, and Greece. He treasured his time in the Marine Corps and thrived in a variety of assignments including as an artillery battalion commander. His personal decorations included the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star w/ Combat "V", Meritorious Service Medal, and RVN Cross of Gallantry. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1987, then managed engineering projects at BDM Intl. and CSC for 16 years. Ron volunteered for many years (Literary Council, Ronald McDonald House, Virginia Bluebird Society), and he organized reunions around the country for his Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity brothers during the past 30 years. A passion for travel took Ron to all 50 US states and with Martha, to more than 65 countries. Always ready for a game of golf, he had success at some of the world's top courses. Devoted to the game, Ron was active in the Ft. Belvoir Retired Men's Assoc. and became Team Captain, then President of the group. To the end, he cherished time with his family, retained his sense of humor, kept his competitive Marine spirit, and cheered for the Huskers. Ron was preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth Brown (Peter). He is survived by his wife Martha, daughters Margaret Linsday (Charles), Anne Calta (Kimber Blume) granddaughters Carolyn Brown, Ashley Gray (Clint) and Ciera Linsday. A family visitation with reception will be held on June 13, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home. Colonel Calta will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery, with military honors at a future date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Wounded Warrior Project.