Donald Oliver Ruland

Donald Oliver Ruland, CDR USN (Ret.) of Annapolis, Maryland died October 26, 2023 after a long battle with cancer. Donald was surrounded by his large loving family including Mary Kelly, his wife of over 66 years. Donald was 90 years old.

Donald was born June 21, 1933 in Cobleskill, New York to Donald E. and Martha M. Ruland. He attended Cobleskill High School and was one of the pillars of his high school senior class. “Big Don” used his height to great advantage in soccer, baseball, basketball, and volleyball. His love for athletics continued throughout his life. He enjoyed being a member of the band and chorus.

Upon graduation from Springfield College in 1955, Donald began his 23-year career in the US Navy as a Naval Aviator. Donald enjoyed all the planes he flew, especially the T-28. He loved the exhilarating feeling of freedom in solo flight. He later flew anti-submarine missions off air-craft carriers. Donald’s last squadron was VS-34. Donald was also a musician, playing the trumpet and trombone and was a member of Slo Roll Seven, a jazz band with his aviator colleagues. Donald’s last tour of duty was at the US Naval Academy; he ended his career in the Navy as Executive Officer, Physical Education Department. After retiring from the Navy, Donald spent 20 years with Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks as Recreation Superintendent.

For many years, Donald and his beloved wife took annual trips to Europe, traveling the continent extensively. Donald was a wise and inspiring mentor to all who knew him, and he was a friend of Bill W. for 37 years. He was a man of faith and was an active lifelong member of the Catholic Church. His charismatic leadership, loving encouragement, and patriotism were a guiding light to his friends and loved ones. Donald’s open heart encouraged all with whom he came in contact.

Donald is survived by his loving wife, Mary Kelly, and six children: Joan Shade (Gary), Michael Ruland (Elisa), Daniel Ruland (Mary), Sarah Sturm (Les), Anne Evans-Frock (Kevin), and Amy Jones (Pat), as well as thirteen grandchildren: Jonathan, Samantha, Tyler, Rachel, Taylor, Andrew, Zachary, Hannah, Sam, Annie, Juliette, Charley, and Benjamin; three great-grandchildren: Archer, Arthur, and Victoria; nephew Casey, and nieces Gillian and Caitlin. He is also survived by his sister Beth Ruland (Robin), and his sisters-in-law Catherine Way and Barbara Ruland. Donald is preceded in death by his brother Ronald E. Ruland.

Donald was a devoted husband and father. He dearly loved his family.

Visitations for Donald will be held on Wednesday, November 8th from 2pm to 4pm and from 6pm to 8pm at John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday November 9th at 10:30am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church at 620 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. A reception will immediately follow at the adjoining Seelos Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Vincent de Paul Society, 109 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401.