2004 Citizen of the Year - Ron Wilkosz

Ronald Edwin Wilkosz was born Juhne 2, 1955 to Marion & Thelma Wilkosz of Cleveland, Ohio. Ron grew up in the Cleveland area graduating from Brecksville High School in 1973. All during his high school years, he played the saxaphone in the concert choir and played sports with high aspirations of being a pro football player after his high school years. After graduation, he went on to attend college at Virginia Military School in Lexington, Virginia playing football and baseball with the college. In 1977, he received a bachelor of science degree in Civil Engineering and decided to enter the work force and leave his aspirations for a pro football career behind him. In 1978, he began work with Hardin & Richardson and was assigned to do soil borings on the site of the "old" Civic Center.

That is how a Cleveland Ohio native came to the Delmarva Peninsula. He found our town to be friendly, meeting local people and becoming involved in the sports scene playing softball. He did have a short stint as a substitute teacher in Delmar for 1/2 day and decided that type of job was not for him. In 1979, Ron was hired by Delmarva Power which is now known as NRG, where he is presently plant manager. While playing softball one season, Ron noticed that the fields needed some work and mentioned this fact to a freind. That was when as invitation was extended to Ron to attend a Delmar Parks and Recreation meeting and you could say the rest is history. From that point on, Ron has been involved in helping the Delmar Parks and Recreation come to the point where it is today. Many projects have been completed such as irrigation on the feilds, lights at the stadium, updating of playground equipment and a pavilion built on the property. The concession stand was a welcome addition to the property to provide food for the many tournaments the fields host. Ron is quick to recognize the many individuals who help make this organization what it is today. It does take many hours of persons voluteering their time to make any organization run well. As well as helping with the parks and recreation, Ron had coached in the Delmar Pop Warner football league for seven years.

In 1985, Ron married the former Donna Banks. They have a daughter Stephanie Ruark, who is married to Ken Ruark, Jr. and three wonderful grandchildren: Lauren is 12, Justin is 8 and Marley is 4. Ron is very proud of his family and children and is already involved in helping coach a softball team that Lauren plays for. The team had a winning season this past year and Ron is glad to help coach the children and contribute his knowledge and guidance to the team.

Ron and David ~ we as a Chamber and Town are extremely proud of your dedication and willingness to support our town and school programs. It is through your willingness to give and share with others that the programs you support have and will continue to excel under both of your leaderships!