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Ronald “Ron” Klaas Vanderkruik, 79, of Winchester, Mass., passed away on the morning of Feb. 23, 2026 at home, surrounded by his loving family and devoted dog.
Ron was born in Upstate New York to Adeline and Emil Vanderkruik and grew up alongside his older sister, Janice. In high school, he excelled both academically and athletically - serving as class president, valedictorian, and captain of the varsity soccer and basketball teams.
Ron went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and then began working at Raytheon, where he was recognized for significant technical innovation.
While there, he completed a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He then joined MITRE where he served as an electrical and systems engineer for 37 years, advancing into leadership and management roles until his retirement.
Ron approached his work as he lived his life – with humility, steadiness, and a deep sense of responsibility.
While dedicated to his career, Ron’s commitment to his family was paramount. He met his wife of 54 years, Candace, through a Boston-based ski group. Together, they restored an old farmhouse, a labor of love for both of them that became one of Ron’s most enduring joys.
A meticulous craftsman, he took pride in repairing and improving nearly anything the home needed, often taking great interest in learning how things worked. He also found pleasure in the natural surroundings of his home; working in the yard, watching the birds at his feeders, maintaining the fishpond, and capturing images of the deer, fox, and other wildlife that visited.
Ron was a dedicated and loving father to his twins, Rachel and Jeff, and an actively engaged and dependable presence throughout their lives. Though modest by nature, Ron’s kindness, reliability, strength and integrity left a lasting impact on those who knew him well. He will be dearly missed.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced by the family.
