Ronald Pasternak

Ronald Pasternak, beloved father, brother, uncle and friend passed away, after a long battle with lung cancer and emphysema, surrounded by family on May 27th, 2025 at Villa Marie Claire Hospice in Saddle River, New Jersey at the age of 62. He was born on October 30th, 1962 at Margaretville Hospital in Margaretville, New York, to the late Heinz and Rose Pasternak.
He grew up in Fleischmanns, New York, graduating from Margaretville High School in 1980. He continued his education at Binghamton University where he received a degree in Accounting. After graduation, he moved to New York City to work on Wall Street as a market maker.
He took a hiatus from a successful career in the city to follow a lifelong dream to own his own restaurant. He opened Butterfields in downtown Fleischmanns and was a staple of the community for 5 years.
Later, he returned to Wall Street to work at Knight Capital Group to resume working as a market maker. After almost 30 years in various roles in finance, Ronnie left to collaborate with his brother to manage a portfolio of nearly 400 apartments in Stamford. He became an integral presence in the buildings, beloved by both the community he oversaw and the colleagues he worked alongside. His humor, dedication and spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who encountered him.
A special place for Ronnie was his birthplace of the Catskills. Throughout most of his life he maintained a home in the community and loved to spend time at Belleayre Mountain skiing, snowmobiling and hunting in the mountains. He loved the music of the Grateful Dead and could often be seen enjoying spring skiing season with a tie-dyed T shirt. He collected friends through every phase of his life; many were drawn to him for his sense of humor and fun-loving nature. He was certainly the life of the party!
He was preceded in death by his father: Heinz, mother: Rose, and brother: Shanon. He is survived by many who loved him greatly including his two sons: Jonathan and Joshua. His former wife: Donna. His siblings: Vivian (John), Kenneth (Dorothy), Robert and Vanessa. His nieces and nephews (and their children): Daniel (Rachel), Katie (Adam, Sebastian and Georgiana), Emilie (Andy), Sara and Rachel. As well as innumerable friends.
If life is measured in the richness of friendships and experiences, then Ron left us as a truly wealthy man.