Obituary: In memory of Ronald Barry Strasberg
Ronald Barry Strasberg was born in Syracuse in 1942 and grew up in Carle Place, Long Island. A gifted athlete, he excelled in baseball, football, basketball and track and field, earning a place in the Carle Place High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also one of the fastest men in New York State, competing in the prestigious Penn Relays.
After graduating in 1960, he was offered a football scholarship as a running back at Ohio State but chose Brown University for its academics, where he played rugby.
Strasberg went on to have a successful career as a pilot, flying for Eastern Airlines, later Trump Shuttle, and ending his career with the U.S. Air. He loved being in the skies and took great pride in his work.
Beyond his professional and athletic achievements, Strasberg was known for his charm, quick wit and kindness. He had a sharp mind, an insatiable curiosity and a love for words—famously completing the New York Times Sunday crossword in under an hour, always in ink.
In his adult life, he was also an accomplished tennis player, winning multiple championships throughout the 1970s and 1980s at the Old Field Club and the Three Village Tennis Club on Long Island. At the age of 40, he became a top-five tennis player on the East Coast.
Whether on the court, in the cockpit or among friends and family, Ron approached life with passion and dedication.
He was married to Patti Hopper Strasberg for 58 years. Strasberg’s love for his wife was unwavering and deep, and together they created a beautiful life full of memories, laughter and mutual respect. He was a devoted father to his two sons, Michael and Robert Strasberg, and a proud grandfather to six wonderful grandchildren, who have inherited many of his best qualities.
Strasberg passed away Feb 2. after 13 years with Alzheimer’s disease. His legacy of friendship, good humor and warmth will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
If you would like to make a donation in his memory please consider,
Alzheimer Dementia Resource center ADRCcares.org or Share The Care HelpForCaregivers.org
