Ronald Charles Rush, Lt. Col USAF (Ret)
July 16, 1938 ~ September 1, 2016
Ronald C. Rush, Lt. Col. USAF (Retired)
Ronald Charles Rush, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather as well as friend, of Chantilly, VA, passed away peacefully and quietly on September 1, 2016 in his home. He was 78 years young.
"Ron," was born on July 16, 1938 in McKeesport, PA, the only son of the late Jacob Charles and Ethel Viola (Mackell) Rush. He graduated in 1956 from Shaler High School, Glenshaw, PA. Ron was awarded a track/cross country scholarship from the University of Pittsburgh and placed as an Olympic alternate in the steeplechase event before graduating in 1960. An October 22, 1960 marriage to Clara Lou (Williams) Rush resulted in three children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Ron entered the United States Air Force in 1962 after deferring his ROTC commission to continue his graduate degree at Duquesne University. Being assigned to Washington DC in 1970, he began a part-time career in real estate with Heritage Homes before working with Long and Foster Realtors. Ron retired from Air Force active duty in 1982 as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Working full time with Long and Foster Realtors became Ron's passion. Always and forever a positive competitive person, he quickly rose in the ranks of Long and Foster becoming their number one salesman and truly loved helping everyday families live the dream of owning their own home. Along with his sons, Michael Rush, Jeff Rush and son-in-law, Wil Bell, The Ron Rush Team became the number one sales team in the area. Their slogan "Let Our Family Move Your Family," and their professionalism earned them many awards and dedication from clients. On January 14, 2006 at 4 PM, Ron married his love and wife, Margaret (Lynch) Rush. He shared in raising his step-daughter, and enjoyed watching her high school and college activities.
Ron was an icon of his time and mentor to many in his field. The length and magnitude of his life's passion is shown by all those who love him. He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Lynch) Rush, step-daughter, Michelle Fitzsimmons; his children, Darlene (Wil) Bell, Jeff (Nancy) Rush, Michael (Michelle) Rush; his grandchildren, Amanda (Ben) Soltoff, W. Grant Bell, II, Kathryn Bell, Abigail Rush, Anna Rush, AJ Rush, Daniel Rush, Ashley Rush; and his great-grandson Jacob Soltoff. He will also be dearly missed by his aunt, Dorothy (Mackell) Dicky.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Ron Rush, Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Pender UMC 12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033. There will be a reception following. A future burial at Arlington National Cemetery is being planned. In lieu of flowers, his request is a gift of love to Pender UMC or The National Kidney Foundation.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Ronald Charles Rush, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather as well as friend, of Chantilly, VA, passed away peacefully and quietly on September 1, 2016 in his home. He was 78 years young.
"Ron," was born on July 16, 1938 in McKeesport, PA, the only son of the late Jacob Charles and Ethel Viola (Mackell) Rush. He graduated in 1956 from Shaler High School, Glenshaw, PA. Ron was awarded a track/cross country scholarship from the University of Pittsburgh and placed as an Olympic alternate in the steeplechase event before graduating in 1960. An October 22, 1960 marriage to Clara Lou (Williams) Rush resulted in three children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Ron entered the United States Air Force in 1962 after deferring his ROTC commission to continue his graduate degree at Duquesne University. Being assigned to Washington DC in 1970, he began a part-time career in real estate with Heritage Homes before working with Long and Foster Realtors. Ron retired from Air Force active duty in 1982 as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Working full time with Long and Foster Realtors became Ron's passion. Always and forever a positive competitive person, he quickly rose in the ranks of Long and Foster becoming their number one salesman and truly loved helping everyday families live the dream of owning their own home. Along with his sons, Michael Rush, Jeff Rush and son-in-law, Wil Bell, The Ron Rush Team became the number one sales team in the area. Their slogan "Let Our Family Move Your Family," and their professionalism earned them many awards and dedication from clients. On January 14, 2006 at 4 PM, Ron married his love and wife, Margaret (Lynch) Rush. He shared in raising his step-daughter, and enjoyed watching her high school and college activities.
Ron was an icon of his time and mentor to many in his field. The length and magnitude of his life's passion is shown by all those who love him. He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Lynch) Rush, step-daughter, Michelle Fitzsimmons; his children, Darlene (Wil) Bell, Jeff (Nancy) Rush, Michael (Michelle) Rush; his grandchildren, Amanda (Ben) Soltoff, W. Grant Bell, II, Kathryn Bell, Abigail Rush, Anna Rush, AJ Rush, Daniel Rush, Ashley Rush; and his great-grandson Jacob Soltoff. He will also be dearly missed by his aunt, Dorothy (Mackell) Dicky.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Ron Rush, Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Pender UMC 12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033. There will be a reception following. A future burial at Arlington National Cemetery is being planned. In lieu of flowers, his request is a gift of love to Pender UMC or The National Kidney Foundation.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
It is with profound sadness that I write this note. Friends for many, many years. We share many moments and wish we had some more now. A wonderful man, caring, generous, trustworthy and extremely smart. Thank you for all the times, phone calls and love. As he used to say “My brother”. We’ll miss you so much and love you.
Ron Rush was a very special person to me. Ron was all energy and positive around everyone he met.I am going to miss him terribly. Please accept my deepest condolences on Ron’s passing.
Mike,Jeff,Will and Family My deepest sympathy to you and your families on the passing of your Dad. Barbara Gwizdz
So sorry for your loss… Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Ron was a wonderful person; we enjoyed working with him and sharing the Gold Team trips with him too. He was a caring mentor to so many agents; he will be truly missed.
So very saddened to learn that Ron is no longer with us. Over the years we had a number of transactions together…always a pleasure. Ron, you will be sorely missed. RIP friend.Earle
Ron was my Father-in-Law. What an outstanding man. Always thinking of others and not himself. I’ve worked as part of The Ron Rush Team for 23 years. He was Mr Real Estate. I will miss him dearly. As a fellow Air Force Officer, I salute you Dad.
I am so sorry for your loss!! Your family will be in my prayers.
My deepest condolences to Ron’s family. I met Ron several times at Headquarters. He was a very kind man and I was always impressed by him.I will miss him. I will keep him and his family in my prayers. God Bless you all.
Never had the pleasure of working with Ron but know he was an icon in Northern VA real estate – thankful for his service to our country and dedication to helping countless families with their real estate needs.
Ron has been long admired from afar. I watched and admired him for many, many years. God Bless your family always. May the souls of Ron and all the departed rest eternally in peace.
I am so sad to hear the news from Wes Foster about Ron’s passing. He was an icon in the real estate business and will be missed by all.
Ron Rush was a wonderful person. He was my listing agent back in the 90’s during tough times. He treated me like family; he showed compassion, empathy, caring and generosity. It was because of Ron that I joined Long and Foster after retiring from Fairfax Co. schools. I was so impressed that a realtor could be so concerned with the client rather than with himself. I have tried to exemplify his kind ways for the past 14 years. Love you, Ron! Mary Jo Ripani (formerly FitzHenry)
God bless Ron, he was the last of a generation who understood how to treat people in business. I worked with Ron on a few real estate deals and he was always the consummate professional. Setting aside all the business, Ron was just a good person. I will miss him and will be sad that when I sell my house he won’t get the commission.
Ron was one of the first people I met when I moved to Virginia in 2002. The first house I ever purchased, he was wonderful, my family has greatly benefited since due to the fellow Airman’s care and consideration. Aim High, prayers to you/yours.