URGENT UPDATE: Ronald Paul Quake, a pioneering entrepreneur and beloved community figure, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, at the age of 86. He was surrounded by family at his cherished farm in Wells, Maine, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and community service.
Born in New York City to German immigrant parents, Quake’s life epitomized the American dream. He became a first-generation college student, earning a scholarship to Union College, where he graduated with a BA in economics in 1962 and an MS in 1968. His commitment to excellence led him to serve in the U.S. Army as a radar specialist, before embarking on a transformative career in the private sector.
Quake is best known for founding Bibliographic Retrieval Services in 1976, which became one of the first online text searching services, revolutionizing access to scholarly articles for medical research across the nation. His innovative spirit continued with the establishment of Enable Software in 1984, which developed a leading office suite for personal computers, later acquired by Microsoft. Additionally, his company JRS, Inc. contributed to the digitization of healthcare records through bedside clinical information systems.
Beyond his professional achievements, Quake was deeply committed to his community. He dedicated over 20 years to the Kennebunk Rotary, including a term as president, and mentored local entrepreneurs through SCORE. His philanthropic efforts supported numerous charities, including animal hospitals and cancer research centers, reflecting his compassionate nature.
Quake’s family was his pride and joy. He is survived by his second wife, Mary Jane Quake, his two sons, Stephen and Jeffrey, and four grandchildren, who brought him immense happiness. He was known for his infectious enthusiasm, whether playing golf with his grandchildren or enjoying family poker nights.
A memorial service will be held on July 26, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the South Congregational Church in Kennebunkport. Friends and family are invited to gather for a reception at the Nonantum Resort immediately following the service. For those wishing to share memories or condolences, Ronald’s Book of Memories can be accessed at http://www.bibberfuneral.com.
Ronald Paul Quake’s legacy will live on through his contributions to technology and his unwavering dedication to family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
