HAMPSTEAD — Ronald Charles Diefenbacher, age 75, of Hampstead, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Ronald was born on June 11, 1951, in Norwich, New York, to Charles E. Diefenbacher and Jeanette F. Diefenbacher. Throughout his life, Ronald was known for his strong work ethic, generous heart, quick sense of humor, and charming personality. He had a way of making people laugh, and his mischievous spirit often had a way of getting him into trouble—and somehow still getting him what he wanted.
Ronald found joy in the simple things that made life meaningful. He loved playing his bass guitar, fishing, and, in his younger years, playing football. But above all, what mattered most to Ronald was his family. The time spent together, the stories shared, the laughter, and the memories created were among his greatest treasures.
Ronald shared a beautiful life with his beloved wife, Kathy Diefenbacher. Together, they built a life rooted in love and family, creating countless memories that will be cherished for generations to come. Their life together was a testament to the love and devotion they shared being together for 55 years.
Above all, Ronald was a devoted father. He was incredibly proud of his four daughters: Terra Donnelly, Jennifer Saeed, Christine Cook, and Leigh Diefenbacher. His love, guidance, stories, humor, and unwavering presence helped shape the women they became. The lessons he taught, the moments they shared, and the love between them will remain in their hearts forever.
Ronald leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and whose lives were forever changed by having him in them. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Diefenbacher; his daughters, Terra Donnelly (Jeremy Killgo), Jennifer Saeed (Anwar Saeed), Christine Cook (Michael Cook), and Leigh Diefenbacher (Matthew Verleni); his twelve grandchildren, Brian Hartwell, Shelby Howell, Brittany Lozier, Kyleigh Donnelly, Brycen Donnelly, Dakotah
Cronin, Carl-Michael Cook, Megan Cook (Thomas DeVane), Tristan Cook, Emma Verleni, Madison Verleni, and Cataleah Verleni; and his five great-grandchildren, Amelia Hartwell, Genevieve Hartwell, Elijah Howell, Brantley Voorhis-Cook, and Ophelia DeVane. He is also survived by his brother, Kevin Diefenbacher (Bonnie Diefenbacher) and sister Dianne Shedd (Arlyn Shedd) both of New York.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeanette Diefenbacher, Charles and Ruth Diefenbacher, as well as his sister Dawn Golden who resided in Norwich, New York.
Those who knew Ronald will remember his wonderful sense of humor, his generous spirit, his unmistakable personality, and the way he could bring laughter into a room. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, and a friend. He was a man who loved deeply, lived fully, and left an unforgettable mark on the people fortunate enough to know him.
Though his absence will be deeply felt, Ronald’s story does not end with his passing. It continues in the laughter of his children, the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren the stories his family will tell, and the countless memories that will be carried forward through the generations.
His family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date, to be confirmed.
A husband. A father. A grandfather. A brother.
A man deeply loved.
A life that mattered.
A memory that will never fade.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.
