Ronald B. Carmichael, MS January 16, 1962 – July 24, 2026

With profound sadness and immense gratitude for a life rich in adventure, service, friendship, and love, we announce the passing of Ronald B. Carmichael on July 24, 2026, at the age of 64. After a long and courageous battle with congestive heart failure, diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease, Ron remained strong, determined, and deeply engaged with the people and passions he loved until the very end.

Born on January 16, 1962, in Mount Vernon, New York, Ron was a man of boundless curiosity whose life was shaped by a passion for learning, exploration, and the ocean. Attending Seacamp in the Florida Keys as a teenager ignited a lifelong love of the sea and inspired a journey that would define both his personal and professional life.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Estefania Arregui-Gómez, whom he married on August 19, 2014. Together they built a life filled with adventure, travel, laughter, and deep devotion to family. He was a proud and loving stepfather to Juan Pablo Curry-Arregui and Javier Curry-Arregui.

Ron shared a lifelong bond with his brothers, Ralph Carmichael, Larry Miner, and Mark Miner. Family was central to his life, and he took enormous pride in watching younger generations grow and flourish. He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Sydney Miner and Zachary Miner of Austin, Texas; Josh Miner and Evan Miner of Santa Monica, California; Clayton Carmichael and Cienna Carmichael of Lansing, Michigan; Mercedes Gil Arregui, Carmen Gil Arregui, and Maria Gil Arregui of Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Antonio Arregui Pintado and Estibaliz Arregui Pintado of Cuenca, Spain; and Juan Arregui Reig and Ana Arregui Reig of Colmenar Viejo, Madrid, Spain.

Through his marriage, Ron joyfully embraced a large Spanish family whom he loved as his own. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Rose Carmichael, Lisa Miner, Robin Miner, Arancha Arregui Gomez, Montse Pintado, and Gema Reig; brothers-in-law Antonio Arregui Gómez, Juan Pablo Arregui Gómez, and Juan Manuel Gil Bote; and his mother-in-law, Mercedes Gomez Nieto. Whether gathering in Virginia, New York, Madrid, or Chipiona, Ron valued family connections and never missed an opportunity to celebrate milestones, share stories, and create memories.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jacqueline A. Miner (Mariani); his father, Ronald B. Carmichael Sr.; his stepfather, Roger J. Miner, affectionately known as 'The Judge'; and his father-in-law, Antonio Arregui Asta.

Ron believed deeply in lifelong learning. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1985, a Master of Science in Program Management from Florida Institute of Technology in 2007, and a Master of Science in Environmental Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2019.

Over nearly four decades as a civilian employee of the United States Navy, Ron built an extraordinary career that blended engineering excellence, scientific understanding, environmental leadership, and public service. He became a respected engineer, systems expert, acquisition professional, and program manager whose work influenced undersea warfare systems, anti-submarine technology, harbor security, expeditionary warfare, environmental stewardship, and marine science.

Throughout his Navy career, Ron managed complex programs worth tens of millions of dollars, led acquisition and engineering teams, developed advanced sonar and weapons-launch systems, guided harbor security initiatives, and served as a trusted advisor across NAVSEA, the Chief of Naval Operations, NOAA, and numerous defense and scientific organizations. His expertise earned him the PEO Integrated Warfare Systems Admiral's Excellence Award.

Ron also played a significant role in anti-terrorism and force-protection efforts. He helped advance technologies and programs focused on harbor and port security, diver and swimmer detection, expeditionary systems, biometrics, and protection of critical naval infrastructure. As Chairman of the Department of Defense Physical Security Equipment Action Group for Waterside Security, he worked closely with military, government, and industry leaders to strengthen maritime security around the world.

Later in his career, Ron became a nationally recognized leader in environmental readiness and policy. Within the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, he coordinated Navy-wide environmental compliance efforts involving active sonar, underwater explosives, coastal construction, and marine habitats. His work with marine mammal protection, including whales and dolphins, reflected a rare ability to bridge engineering, environmental science, operational readiness, and public policy.

Ron's career was remarkable not merely because of its length, but because of its breadth. Few professionals successfully combined engineering, environmental science, marine conservation, undersea warfare, business leadership, diving instruction, and public service. Whether advising senior leaders, collaborating with scientists, or mentoring younger professionals, he brought intellectual rigor, practical wisdom, and a deep commitment to excellence.

Yet, remarkable as his professional accomplishments were, Ron's heart truly belonged underwater. An accomplished technical diver, instructor trainer, expedition leader, photographer, videographer, writer, educator, and mentor, he became one of the most respected figures in the diving community. He collaborated with organizations including National Geographic and the National Science Foundation and served as a dive safety officer on scientific expeditions.

As founder and leader of Splash Dive Center in Alexandria, Virginia, Ron built one of the nation's most respected dive operations. During nearly two decades of ownership, the business certified more than 10,000 divers, developed internationally recognized travel programs, and introduced generations of people to the wonders of the underwater world.

Friends often joked that Ron should be recognized as a marine mammal species in his own right. For such a physically imposing man, he moved through the water with remarkable grace and elegance. The ocean was not simply where he worked. It was where he belonged.

Outside of work and diving, Ron embraced life with enthusiasm. He loved world travel, gardening, coin collecting, Broadway musicals, photography, and preparing for nearly any imaginable scenario. Family and friends will fondly remember his endless collection of stories, his intelligence, his habit of buying multiples of everything, and the way music could unexpectedly bring tears to his eyes.

Although Ron accomplished more than most people could achieve in several lifetimes, those closest to him knew that his proudest role was being Estefania's husband and a beloved member of a large and loving family. His greatest joy was sharing his passions, humor, and adventures with the people he loved.

More than any title, award, certification, or accomplishment, Ron will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving stepfather, cherished brother, proud uncle, trusted mentor, loyal friend, and generous teacher. His legacy lives on in every diver he trained, every colleague he inspired, every family member he loved, and every life made richer by his presence.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Ron's extraordinary life at a visitation on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at St. John the Apostle Church, followed by a Funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m.

A graveside burial service will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Palenville Village Cemetery, 59 Cemetery Road, Hilltop North, Row 18, Lot 29, Palenville, New York. Following the burial, family and friends are welcome to join together for a small reception at the Rip Van Winkle Country Club, 3200 NY-23A, Palenville, New York, to share stories, laughter, and memories of a man whose life touched so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Seacamp Association, Inc., helping future generations discover the same love of the ocean that inspired Ron's life journey.

Fair winds and following seas, Ron. The ocean that shaped your life and captured your heart will forever carry your spirit.