WILLIAM J. RONAN

RONAN--Dr. William John, died just shy of his 102nd birthday at his home in West Palm Beach on October 15th. Born in Buffalo, New York on November 8th, 1912, Dr. Ronan's love of adventure and intellectual curiosity had him visiting the Great Wall of China by age 18. Dr. Ronan attended Syracuse University and subsequently received his doctorate at NYU, the start of a burgeoning career in academia and public service. Dr. Ronan became a professor and ultimately the Dean of NYU's School of Public Administration, the youngest person to achieve the post at the time. He was subsequently recruited to join the executive staff of Mayor Robert Wagner, and soon caught the attention of the man who would be a lifelong friend and colleague, Governor Nelson Rockefeller. With the Governor, Dr. Ronan made a lasting impression on the city of New York, creating the Metropolitan Transit Authority, of which he became the first Chairman and CEO in 1968. In 1974, he was appointed Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where he oversaw construction of the World Trade Center and served until 1977. Continuing his lifelong dedication to public service, Dr. Ronan continued his career as commissioner and subsequently Chairman of the UTDC until 1994. Dr. Ronan was a tour de force in his public life, and his achievements are numerous. But those close to him will best remember his warmth, wit, and special sparkle; Bill was a man with a huge heart. His dear wife, Elena Vinade, whom he married in 1939, predeceases him. He is survived by two daughters- Monica Ronan and Diana Quasha, three grandchildren- Devon, Grant and Weston, three great-grandchildren, and his partner Bette Machon. To borrow words from his favorite poem, "Invictus," He was the master of his fate, the captain of his soul.