Ronald Sundell MacArthur, award-winning journalist and photographer
Ronald S. MacArthur, 70, of Lewes, passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from liver disease.
Ron’s life was deeply rooted in family, career and a love of travel. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in Sussex County through his contributions as an elected official, devoted community volunteer, accomplished newspaper reporter, photographer, columnist and local historian – most notably through his beloved column Around Sussex.
Born April 9, 1955, in Seaford, to Shirley and Maurice “Mac” MacArthur, Ron grew up in western Sussex County. A talented athlete, he played soccer and baseball in high school. At just 18, he launched his journalism career at the Seaford Leader, where he served first as sports editor and later as editor. His career continued with roles at the Seaford Star and as editor of the Milford Chronicle.
In 1987-88, Ron spent a year in France as a small-town editor for the International Herald Tribune, a position he earned through the prestigious John Hay Whitney Journalism Award. During that time, he attended the Tribune’s 100th anniversary celebration held in the Eiffel Tower, where he had the memorable opportunity to meet broadcast legend Walter Cronkite. It would be the first of two encounters with Cronkite – the second came later during a journalism conference at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.
In 2007, Ron joined the Cape Gazette, where his in-depth reporting on Sussex County government, DelDOT and environmental issues became a hallmark of the publication. Over the years, he received numerous accolades from the Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association, including multiple Best in Show awards. His colleagues admired not only his journalistic integrity but also his unwavering dedication to the stories and community.
At his recent 70th birthday and retirement celebration at the Lewes Yacht Club, Ron was honored with proclamations from the Sussex County Council, and the Delaware Senate and House of Representatives, recognizing his lifelong service and contributions to the Cape Region. He will be deeply missed by friends, readers and fellow journalists.
A lifelong champion for his community, Ron served on Seaford City Council from 1990 to 2005, becoming the youngest person ever elected to the position at the time. He also worked as a family coordinator for the Boys & Girls Club, coached and umpired for Seaford Little League, served as president of the Seaford Kiwanis Club, and founded the Nanticoke River Watershed Group to protect the river he loved.
Above all, Ron was devoted to his family. He met his wife, Kathy O’Hanlon, in 2004, and they married in 2014. Together, they traveled extensively across the U.S. and abroad, visiting places like Ireland and France. Ron never went far without his camera, documenting their adventures and sharing photos that brought joy to friends and family on Facebook.
He especially loved spending time with his twin grandchildren, Jenna and Colby, attending swim meets, sailing school and camping trips. He adored them. Ron was also a fan of classic rock, the Baltimore Orioles and the Ravens. Summers at Lewes Beach, afternoons at the Lewes Yacht Club, and boating with Kathy brought him great happiness.
Ron is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; his daughter, Beth; son-in-law, Eric; sister, Mary Jane (Nevin) of Milton, Fla.; stepdaughter, Michelle Bland; and three grandchildren – Jenna and Colby, students at Sussex Tech, and Adin, who serves in the U.S. Air Force. He also leaves behind a wide circle of cherished friends.
A visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesday, May 28, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ron’s name may be made to Gift of Life, Howie's House, 401 Callowhill St., Philadelphia, PA 19123, or to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
