Bristow, Virginia - Ronald Bruce Snelson, 81, of Bristow, Va., passed away at his home on June 25, 2026. He was a greatly loved husband, father and grandfather, and will be deeply missed by all his loved ones and friends.

Ronald ("Ron") was born in Frostburg, Md., Feb. 12, 1945, to Freddie and Sarah Snelson. Ron graduated from Beall High School in 1963 and then joined the U.S. Army, where he served for 23 years. After the Army, he continued working with defense contracting services until retirement in 2011.

In retirement, he was able to indulge his love of model trains and railroading. Living a well-traveled life gave Ron an appreciation for many styles of cuisines and cooking, which he then brought into his kitchen, creating wonderful meals and memories for family and friends. An avid gardener, he became a certified Master Gardener, volunteering with the organization to assist aspiring green thumbs and weekend yard warriors to help them solve problems or spark ideas. Until recently he served as Chairman of the Grounds Committee for the Dunbarton Community.

Ron is survived by his wife, Beth Snelson of Bristow, Va.; his daughter, Megan Snelson of Herndon, Va.; his son and daughter-in-law, Nathan and Caroline Snelson of Poolesville, Md., and their children, his grandchildren, Phoebe and Lila.

A visitation will be held in Frostburg, Md., on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 11 a.m. to noon at Durst Funeral Home, 57 Frost Ave., Frostburg. Funeral service will follow at noon, with Pastor Warren Gilpin officiating.

There will be a celebration of life to honor Ron in Bristow, Va., at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make contributions to Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) or Capital Caring hospice (capitalcaring.org).