Ronald Keith Anthony Townsend

Ronald Keith Anthony Townsend transitioned to higher ground on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. The second of three children, he was born on August 11, 1935 in Kingston, Jamaica to Enos Townsend and Louise Theodora Richards.

After his elementary education, Ronald attended Mico College in Jamaica. While working as a machinist at New Castle, he met Loris Rose Simpson and married her in 1961. Three years later, he took a job at Caribbean Products as a machinist. 

Ronald migrated to the United States to join his wife in 1965. He attended the Community College of New York where he earned a certificate in Bio-Medical Equipment Technology.  Ron and Loris made Brooklyn their first home.  They moved to Long Island in 1978, however, they traveled daily to work in Brooklyn. 

His first job was at Welch Scientific Company as a Maintenance Supervisor with responsibility for all electrical repairs as well as quality control of all mechanical operations.  Next, he joined the team at French Polytechnic Hospital in Manhattan where he also had a supervisory position.  After leaving French Hospital, he went to St. Mary’s Hospital where he had responsibility for all bio-medical and recovery room equipment, emergency room machines, as well as all electrical equipment and air conditioning systems.  He retired from St. Mary’s in 2002.

Ronald joined the Duryea Presbyterian Church in 1971 and was ordained a deacon in 1973.  He served as such until he was no longer able to take the weekly trip from Long Island to Brooklyn due to health restrictions. 

Outside of his work at the hospitals and his service at Duryea, Ronald was an avid cyclist and swimmer.  He enjoyed cooking and hosting summer barbecues, and was a collector of model trucks.  Anyone who has visited his home has witnessed his gift of craftsmanship, evident in the kitchen and the entire basement which he built by himself.  He also loved to travel, and often cruised with his wife Loris and their friends.  He enjoyed watching sports, dancing, and had an extensive collection of coveted vinyls.  Ron loved his son Patrick and often took him along when going to work at Caribbean Products on the weekends, or sometimes had him in tow when riding his bicycle.  He adored his three grandchildren with whom he spent many summer days at the beaches of Long Island when they were younger.  He was also a willing companion to Lowell Smith on their frequent fishing trips. 

Ron was predeceased by his brother Donald Ernesto Townsend.  He is survived by his beloved wife Loris; his son Patrick (and his wife Marcia); three grandchildren: Shahna, Patrick, Jr. and Nia; his sister Claire; nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many other family members and friends.

Ron leaves a legacy of love.

May he sleep in eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to their beloved Duryea Presbyterian Church. You can use Duryea's giving link. 

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