Ronald J. Bath

March 22, 1948 ~ February 24, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald J. Bath, age 76. Ron passed away on February 24th, 2025 at The Kaplan Family Hospice Center, in Newburgh, NY.  He had been suffering from Parkinson's Disease for years, but in the hours leading up to his passing Ron was peaceful, pain free, and surrounded by loved ones.

Ron was born on March 22, 1948, just outside of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of five siblings born of John Bath and Lillie Bath (a coal miner and a silk mill worker in the early 1900's). At a young age his family moved to The Bronx, where Ron grew up amongst a loving extended family. He had a wonderful childhood, dividing his time between the schoolyards of The Bronx, and the green hills and small town streets of eastern Pennsylvania. He also had a vibrant young adulthood, both as a student at DeWitt Clinton High School (class of 1965), and as a high school graduate trying to find his way in the world. Ron was a down to earth guy who loved fast cars, cutting class, working part-time jobs, making late night runs to White Castle, and hanging around the neighborhood having fun with family and friends.

Ron came from humble roots, and was always driven to work. As a young man he held a variety of jobs before finally entering the telecommunications industry. Finding this suitable career path coincided with him finding another very suitable thing; namely the love of his life. In his early twenties Ron married Katheen Sullivan, a policeman's daughter, also from the Bronx. The two of them went from cruising around in Ron's Pontiac 2+2, to going steady, to starting a family, all in record time. As things progressed they went on to build a rich, meaningful life together. In their later years, Ron and Kath were able to travel the world, amassing life changing experiences and creating beautiful memories.  Along the way, they raised three children, who went on to have families of their own, and who ultimately gave them a total of eight grandchildren.

Ron derived a lot of meaning and satisfaction from his career. Going from an entry level position in the New York Telephone Company to an executive leadership role in a global wireless communication company was a source of great pride for him. He would often laugh to himself in slight disbelief at his trajectory. Generally speaking, Ron was highly regarded by his coworkers. He was also known for being competent and reliable, and for putting people first.

Outside of work and family Ron was a good neighbor, and an active member of his church. In his retirement Ron put his values into action by building houses with Habitat for Humanity, and by doing adult literacy work in the Newburgh community. Overall, Ron Bath was a very decent person who saw the good in people, and enjoyed a good conversation and a laugh.

Ron is survived by his spouse and life partner Kathleen Bath; his three children Ron, Kristen and Michael, and their spouses Stephanie, Rob, and Ariana; and his eight grandchildren Nat, Jack, Nora, Sascha, Kate, Agueda, Analia, and Amaya.

Ron's parents, and all of his siblings have predeceased him, but he is survived by a number of nieces and nephews who he always kept in his heart.

Ron is also survived by a loving dog who is not sure where he went, and who misses him tremendously.

A church memorial service will be held at 11:00 in the morning on Saturday, March 15th at the King of Kings Lutheran Church, located at 563 Union Avenue, New Windsor, NY. The service will be immediately followed by a reception in the adjoining Fellowship Room. All are welcome.

Ron's wishes were to be buried beside his parents in a small cemetery outside of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. His wishes will be honored, and he will rest there in peace among the green hills and small town streets of his childhood.

If you are planning to send a gift of flowers, we ask you instead consider making a donation in Ron's name to one of the organizations below. Both organizations brought him help and comfort during very difficult times.

·         Kaplan Family Hospice Center in Newburgh, NY.

·         The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

To all who knew him, may his memory be a blessing.

Thank you.

Ron's family