Ronald Murdock

Ronald (Ron) Murdock, who made his home in Portsmouth, RI, died on May 24, 2025, from complications due to Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. He was 65. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Ron's youth and early adult years were spent in a variety of settings before settling in Burlington, VT, in his teen years.

A graduate of the University of Vermont, Ron was hired on as a systems engineer at the Naval Underwater Systems Center (NUSC) in New London, Connecticut, in the early part of the 1980s. He later became a branch head and program manager at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) in Newport, RI. His engineering efforts while there culminated with the AN/BQQ-5E and the TB-29 Array sonar systems. He spearheaded the new AN/BQQ-10 Acoustic - Rapid COTS Insertion (A-RCI) sonar system installed on U.S. submarines in November 1998, which was subsequently adapted by the U.S. Surface Navy and foreign partners. Additionally, Ron led a multitude of submarine system installations and testing events, serving weeks at a time onboard submarines during sea trials and technical evaluations. He was the recipient of numerous performance awards and community accolades for his technical leadership and professional acumen.

After his productive career at NUWC, Ron commenced working for Progeny Systems Corporation, based out of Manassas, VA, in 1998. He headed the Middletown, RI, satellite office for over 25 years, where he was the lead for numerous programs and served as the Vice President of Engineering. His efforts were instrumental in helping the company become a prime leader in the development of advanced systems for the U.S. Navy.

Ron briefly ventured into uncharted territory when he developed a low-cost method for alternate planetary navigation-designed for the Moon and Mars-that operated independently of the GPS satellite network. This innovation ultimately earned him a patent. Though it represented only a small portion of his overall career, it remained one of his proudest accomplishments, and he later presented his work at several international conferences.

In addition, Ron worked closely with U.S. Senate and House members from Rhode Island, their staff, and congressional appropriations and authorization professionals to help secure directed funding for critical U.S. Navy submarine and weapons programs.

He consistently strived to be a great leader and mentor while maintaining strong personal relationships, and his commitment to developing the leadership and technical skills of his employees was a means of ensuring that the office he founded would remain a major contributor to the U.S. Navy for years to come.

Ron played as hard as he endeavored to work. An avid runner and cyclist for years, he could often be found pedaling or sprinting down any number of backroads. He loved the outdoors, his pet parakeet, and his "occasional" cocktail-especially when paired with a good meal among beloved friends and family. And Ron never met a fast car he didn't love. To say he had an appreciation for horsepower and finely crafted engines would be an understatement.

His commitment and dedication-to his work, his family, and his gift in maintaining a positive attitude throughout his life-never truly faltered. Ron's fortitude and spirit will be missed, as will the love and laughter he shared with so many. These gifts are among the many things that will continue to linger with each of us, by which we will likely remember him-as a precious part of his unique legacy.

Ron leaves behind his wife, Robin (Cilette); his daughter, Samantha (Kyle) Hay of Melrose, MA; his son, Jason Hay of Red Lion, PA; his stepdaughter, Jamie (Patrick) Heller; and his grandchildren, Evan Heller and Avery Heller of Portsmouth, RI.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the multitude of personnel and caretakers at Rhode Island Hospital, Dawn Hill Rehabilitation Center, South Coast Health, South Coast Hospice, and the Portsmouth Fire Department.

An extra special thank-you goes out to hospice nurse Cindy Aguiar, Dr. Craig VanDongen, Kelly Gunn, NP, and Tara Bronson, NP.

While burial will be private, as were Ron's wishes, may all who knew him celebrate his legacy with a raising of the glass, lighting of a candle, or heartfelt prayer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Rhode Island Parrot Rescue: https://www.riparrots.org/home/donate or to the Portsmouth Local Firefighters - Union 1949, 2300 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.