Dr. L. Ronald “Ron” Whitlock passed away unexpectedly on April 23, 2025, at the age of 80, following a heart attack. A lifelong learner, explorer, and devoted family man, Ron’s life was defined by boundless curiosity, intellectual pursuit, a passion for adventure, devotion to his family, and strong social connections.

Ron was raised in Troy, Pennsylvania, alongside his brothers William and Robert. He earned his B.S. in chemistry from Penn State University, where he also met the love of his life, Carol. Ron and Carol continued their academic journey together, earning PhDs at the University of Massachusetts—Ron’s in Analytical Chemistry—before he pursued postdoctoral research in Polymer Science. Ron and Carol shared a deep intellectual bond rooted in scholarship, matched only by their devotion to building a wonderful life together and for their children.

Ron and Carol moved to Rochester, NY in 1971 when Ron joined Eastman Kodak as a senior research scientist. Over his distinguished career, Ron contributed to numerous innovations in materials science, earning several patents for his pioneering work. His career was marked by technical excellence, mentorship, and pride in his scientific research. 

Outside of work, Ron was a man of exceptional energy who loved meeting people. A lifelong craftsman, he studied traditional woodworking, traveling to China in the 1980s to immerse himself in the discipline of wood finishing. In the 1990s, he co-founded the Z Car Club of Rochester, bringing together fellow classic car enthusiasts and restoring his prized 1971 Datsun 240Z. He mastered the art of windsurfing, chasing wind in the Finger Lakes and renowned destinations like Cape Hatteras and Margarita Island, Venezuela.

Ron’s passion for adventure extended to photography, where he combined his love of nature and exploration. Two of his most memorable photographic expeditions were trekking to Machu Picchu with acclaimed alpine photographer Galen Rowell and Everest Base Camp in Nepal with his brother Robert, daughter Terri, and niece Cindy.

Ron shared his love for the outdoors with his children, teaching them both to ski on snow and water, fostering a pursuit of the mountains with his daughter Terri, and enjoying father/son time with Eric in their shared love of sporting events, woodworking, and activities on the sea—especially on Cape Cod. Ron continued to reinvent himself in retirement: pursuing an MBA, exploring entrepreneurial ventures, and becoming a dedicated distance runner, frequently winning medals in his age group.

Perhaps most remarkably, Ron pursued high-altitude climbing well into his later years. He summited four of the Seven Summits, the tallest peaks on each continent: Kilimanjaro (Africa), Elbrus (Europe), Aconcagua (South America), and Denali (North America), and celebrated his 70 th birthday on a Mt. Blanc expedition in France.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Carol; son Eric; daughter Terri (Shawn); granddaughters Drea and Madison; brother Robert (Marion); and the extended Whitlock family. He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments but for his great affection for people and the joy he brought to those around him.

Friends may call to the funeral chapel (2305 Monroe Ave.) Sunday, April 27 from 2-4 pm.