"The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails."

-          William Arthur Ward

On June 11, 2023, Ronald Edwin Hilbert passed away. Beloved husband of 35 years to Margery (Heymann) Hilbert. Devoted father of Karl (Karen)Hilbert and Laura-Lynn (Phil) Renner.  Loving grandfather of Erik Hilbert and Anna Hilbert.  Pop-Pop to grand dogs, Ellington Hilbert, and CJ Renner. Survived by many cherished cousins.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1941 to the late Walter E. and Mina Ruth Hilbert, Ron graduated from "Poly" Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and went on to receive his master's degree from The Johns Hopkins University, Whiting School of Engineering.

Ron started and ended his work career at Baltimore Gas and Electric. He began at BGE as an office boy and moved up through his 42-year career to the Director of IT Communications before retiring in 2002.

His fondness for the water began during his many summers at his grandparents' home on Bush River and continued as he rose to the rank of Sergeant in the U.S. Army serving on a J-boat. He fondly spoke of falling asleep to the roll of the waves and the white noise of the engine. He kept a picture of his J-3769 on his desk long after leaving the service.

Ron loved playing soft ball, coaching his children's soccer teams, and going to see the Baltimore Blast play.  His well-known love of the Chesapeake Bay and sailing were passed along to his children and both grandchildren.  For several years running, Ron and a group of his sailing buddies would take an annual sailing trip and the various adventures and funny stories were recorded in a ship's log. A creative woodworker, Ron made many projects for family and friends over the years that will long keep his memory alive. Always signing the bottom with REH. He made elaborate wooden cages with name plates for his daughter, Laura-Lynn's beloved Muffin and Babbit.  He enjoyed reading and listening to music, especially smooth jazz.   He played the harmonica and piano by ear with no formal training and in his later years was learning to play guitar. Ron passed this love of music onto his children, especially his son, Karl and grandson, Erik who are both accomplished musicians.

In their many wonderful years together, Ron and his "Sweetie" Margery adored their time together side-by-side on the beach at their condo in Ocean City, Maryland. They shared a love of travel and took numerous vacations and cruises with friends.  They could often be found at The Island Café, Michael's Café or the Peppermill laughing and telling stories.  They shared a love of sports, especially the Ravens and the Orioles.  Ron also was an avid fan of college lacrosse.

Ron will be remembered by family and friends for wearing his rotating collection of baseball hats, his infectious laugh and a smile that lit up his whole face.

Services are private.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember Ron with a donation to The Chesapeake Bay Foundation .