Retired Navy Master Chief Ronald Lee Glynn passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026. Born in Piqua, Ohio and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Ron lived a life defined by service, curiosity and an unshakable spirit of adventure.

His military journey began in November 1966 when he joined the Navy Reserves. After completing boot camp in San Diego, he attended Dental Technician "A" School in early 1968. His first major assignment took him to Subi Bay in the Philippines, and when that tour concluded, he volunteered to serve in the Vietnam War. Over the next three decades, Ron dedicated himself to the Navy, serving with distinction in the Philippines, Vietnam, Texas, Okinawa, San Diego, El Toro and Washington, D.C. He ultimately retired as the Navy Command Master Chief for the Naval Dental Center in Puerto Rico-a testament to his leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to those he served beside.

Retirement never slowed him down. Ron embraced the world with the same energy he brought to his military career, traveling to 108 countries and territories. With his wife, Sonia, by his side, he journeyed by bus through South America for two years, traveled overland from Panama through Central America into Mexico, lived for a time in Lake Chapala, and later backpacked across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the South Pacific. Later spending months backpacking through Southern Africa before living in Apatzingán, Mexico and settling in Tucson, Arizona.

Between, before and after these travels, Ron pursued the jobs he had always wanted to experience. He worked at Disneyland, in Las Vegas Casinos, at the state prison commissary, with Northwest Airlines and ExpressJet, at the polls, at the carnival and finally at Old Tucson. Each role reflected his curiosity, his work ethic, and his love of being part of something bigger than himself.

Ron was deeply loved and lived a life rich with stories, movement, and purpose. Above all, he treasured his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sonia; his three daughters-Sherry, Christine and Daniela; three grandchildren-Benito, Damien and Mia; two great-grandchildren-Benito III and Theodore; and his siblings-Joyce, Shirley and Bob.

His journey took him around the world, but his heart always found its way home. He leaves behind a legacy of service, adventure, and love that will continue to inspire everyone who knew him.

Services are as follows: Mother of Sorrows Church. 1800 S. Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85710

Services will be put into action on Friday, 1/30/26.

Viewing: 10:00 AM

Rosary:   10:30 AM

Mass:      11:00 AM

Burial:      12:30 PM

Reception: 1:00 PM

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society.