Ronald V. Gilbert Jr. 56, died Feb. 26, 2020, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Born in Allentown, he graduated from Allen High School and turned his lifelong interest in vacuum cleaners into a career with Electrolux where he eventually became the regional director of the Mid-Atlantic region. His interest in vacuums started at Wenners in the Allentown Farmers Market when he was a boy. He could identify model, year and type of vacuum simply from hearing it run.

In 2009, he and his friend Quentin Eshleman opened Beautiful Home, an interior design studio and showroom in Emmaus. His love of classic design and business acumen helped grow a business whose work was featured in national magazines, was on HGTV and drew clients from around the country.

Traveling, music, cooking and his beloved dachshund Gunther were his loves. He was fortunate to travel and enjoy the world with his beloved fiancé Tim and many dear, lifelong friends. His ability to throw ingredients together and create amazing meals made an invite to his festive dinner parties a coveted item

He is survived by Tim Wolfe (fiancé), Tom and Brenda Wickel (stepfather and mother), Ronald Sr. and Lee Ann (father and stepmother), Doug and Kim (brother and sister-in-law), Kristen and Ashley Holberton (sister and her fiancée), Nathan and Jessica Gambino (brother and his girlfriend), Doug and Mary Anne Emery (nephew and fiancé) and Kelsey (niece); many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Contributions may be made to A Woman’s Place, P.O. Box 2399, Doylestown, 18901.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2 to 3 p.m. March 21 at the Stephens Funeral Home, Inc., 274 N. Krocks Road, Allentown. A calling time will be noon to 2 p.m.