Obituary: Ronald Joseph Romagnoli, 90, Of Ridgefield

Information and Photo Courtesy Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home

DANBURY, CT — Ronald Joseph Romagnoli peacefully entered into eternal life or what Ron fondly referred to as the “fifth dimension” on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024 at his home in Ridgefield at the age of 90—two days short of his 91st birthday.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 65-plus years, Annemarie (nee Russo), and four children: Steve (wife Deirtra), Jay (wife Susan), Karen (husband John), and Lori (husband Michael); ten grandchildren—Taber, Dakota, Max, Erika, Amanda, Jake, Alex, Tori, Nate and Luke; three great grandchildren—Huxley, Shea Lynn and Luna. He is also survived by his sister Joyce, and nieces and nephews Eddie, Rose, Brian, Mark, Nick, John, Lisa, Leslie and Donald. He was preceded in death by his mother Philomena (“Minnie”) and father Italo (“Ed”) and sister Elaine.

“The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7 KJV)

“Big Ron,” as he was affectionately known to family and friends alike, started his life’s journey on Jan. 26, 1933, in the Bronx; and what a journey that was.

His academic sojourn began in the shadow of Yankee Stadium at Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx. The motto of that school beautifully communicates Ron’s own philosophy of life: “Pro Deo et Patria” (For God and Country). Indeed, primary among his many gifts and monikers, Ron was a Great American. Ron enlisted in the US Army during the Korean War and served as part of a specialized training program in microwave and electronic technology. After 2 years he was honorably discharged with much confidence and a new appreciation for higher education, and that became the springboard to his climb up the academic and scientific ladders: B.S. in chemistry from City College of New York; M.S. in physical-analytical chemistry from St. John’s University; M.B.A. in professional management from Pace University. Professionally, Ron combined technical expertise with keen intuitive skills: primarily as director of the Analytic Chemistry Department at General Foods Corporation in Tarrytown, New York; secondarily as director of Research at St. Regis Paper Company in West Nyack, New York; director of the Department of Chemistry at Columbia University; and technical administrator and executive liaison of the American Spice Trade Organization (ASTA).

A warm and loving home life underscored his early years: ones in which he developed his love of family and a deep, abiding respect for the military. His mother Minnie, father Ed and Uncle Joey (with whom he shared a room) greatly influenced the husband and father he would later become. That upbringing, which included a strong and abiding faith, prepared him to first meet and then marry his beloved wife Annemarie Russo on Dec. 27, 1958, at St. Frances of Rome Roman Catholic Church in the Bronx. What followed that day, by all accounts, was the first very public demonstration of his grand dancing skills at their wedding reception (at Tropical Acres in Yonkers, New York), the performance of which became a staple at the weddings of his children Steve, Jay, Karen and Lori. Both before and after their courtship, Ron and Annemarie would ride his Triumph motorcycle, including taking her on it to the school where she taught.

Among his many leisure time activities, Ron particularly enjoyed a good game of chess, spirited political debates (especially, though not exclusively, with his brother-in-law, Otto), and backyard pickup basketball games during which he displayed his killer hook shot. He cherished nature deeply, finding solace and joy in its peaceful embrace throughout his life. He loved Frank Sinatra, the Yankees and the Knicks (especially the 1970 and 1973 NBA champions under their legendary coach Red Holzman), and John Wayne, to whom he often referred (correctly) as “A Great American.”

He endeared himself to and charmed everyone he met with his quick wit, intelligence and kindness. Yet for all his outward gregariousness, Ron’s introversion contributed mightily to the measure of his manhood. Ron comported himself with dignity and class with everyone he met or interacted with: always upbeat; never dismissive or rude; a keen observer of the social and political scenes; but most of all, a good and decent man.

St. Thomas Aquinas observed that “The things we love tell us who we are.” Ron loved family and faith, freedom and justice, God and country. That’s his story.

As we bid adieu to this great man, let us all recall how he touched our lives and made our worlds better places in which to live.

“And the Lord said unto him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things [so] I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.’” (Matthew 25:23 KJV)

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Mary's Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately. The family will receive friends on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. at the Holy Family Hall in Saint Mary's Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Kane Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.