Ronald D. Crooks

Ronald D. Crooks, age 96, of Hockessin, DE, died on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

A graduate of LaSalle High School in Niagara Falls, Ron served in the United States Navy before graduating from SUNY Buffalo with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. He spent his 40-year career as a materials engineer. After retiring, he founded Branderis Associates, a consulting company, where he continued working until 2005. Ron was active in the National Association of Corrosion Engineers and the American Materials Society, holding leadership positions in both organizations.

An avid sailor, Ron was a lifetime member of the United States Power Squadrons and held the title of past Commander and Navigator in that organization. An expert woodworker, he volunteered as a sawyer on the Kalmar Nyckel. His home was filled with flocks of lifelike birds he created of wood. Ron was active in his retirement community and enjoyed playing pool with his friends.

Ron was predeceased by his first wife Nancy Wainman Crooks. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Rising Riczker Crooks and her children and grandchildren, his sister, Phyllis Emery, and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

While struggling through this vale of tears

0’er perhaps a few too many years

One learns the world makes little sense

And we are heading we know not whence

At rest now are all my fears.