Ronald Binger

Ronald Binger, affectionately known as “Uncle Ron” was born to the late James “Buxton” and Ruby “Dearma” Binger on February12, 1927 in Banes (Holguin) Cuba. He was the second of 2 children from the union. At age 2 and 3 respectively, he and his late sister Olga Weir migrated with their mother to Jamaica and grew up in Portland. They resided with the late Rev. S.M. Binger, Rector of the Anglican Church, Missionary to Africa and co-translator of the Bible into their Ghanaian local dialect. This accounts for the strict upbringing and regard for living a principled life. He later attended Titchfield Secondary School where he often got into trouble staying too long in the water during breaks due to his love of the sea.

He produced one daughter, Norma Bassaragh with his wife Velma Brown.

In 1948, Ronald returned to Cuba where he spent 4 years with family. In 195,1 he migrated to USA but spent most of his adult life in New York. In his 40’s he attended the College of Staten Island for a Bachelors degree. He was Golf caddy to Gov. of the State of NY and VP of the 41st President of USA - Nelson Rockefeller. This was where he developed his political interests and passion for law. He often studied various law books and became a very proficient self-made trial and litigation “lawyer”.

Mr. Binger was a Civil Servant, Congressional Aid and a member of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trade Union and worked for the College of Staten Island. Mr. Binger was a vocalist with the Frank Anderson band and the Charlie Binger Calypso band. During his visits to Jamaica to see his mother and daughter who she raised, it was not uncommon to hear him croon out songs like “Fly me to the Moon” and “Danny Boy”.

He was also an ardent soccer lover. On weekends, you could find him watching the games, be it English Premier League, Serie A (Italian), Spanish Liga and others. He also kept abreast with the Jamaican Reggae Boys. In 1989, Ronald moved to Miami Florida with his wife, Lorna Davis-Binger who predeceased him in 2004. He remained very active and fiercely independent up to February 2018. In fact, in most telephone conversations, he would proudly announce “I am 91 and cook, wash and clean for myself.”

However, in March 2018 he moved to North Carolina but longed to return to

New York where he spent much of his life. Unfortunately, while in NC his

health declined tremendously requiring hospitalization and rehabilitation.

With the passage of hurricane Florence, he was evacuated to Gastonia (6 hours away) and this was where his health further declined requiring re-admission to hospital. However, he loved life and had a few more pending cases.

While in hospital in NC he would say to the nurses, “I have one piece of advice for you, when you are wrong, apologize, when you are right, go to court”. When asked how he was feeling, his response was “with my hands” followed by an innocent smirk.

In September 2018, with the relentless efforts of his nieces, he fulfilled his deep desire to return to NY where he was very happy to reconnect and be surrounded by loving old friends and family. His niece and grandniece, Margaret and Dr. Lisa Hoad, were a tower of strength to him. His health, well-being and wishes took priority in their lives. Dr. Hoad ensured that he got the best possible medical care and kept in constant contact with his care team.

With each visit by Margaret, or his cousins Neville and Isma Wallace, his only request was a Jamaican beef or chicken patty and on one occasion a “touch” of Jamaican white rum from his cousin and “legal partner”, Earl Binger. Ronald had a sharp mind, great memory and maintained his sense of humor up to the day of his death. Ronald was gradually getting tired of rehabilitation and was eager to join his niece and grandniece, Kika, “Teacher” in their home. Earlier on the day of his passing, he told Margaret that he was going to write his “resignation” and was adamant about not continuing his scheduled dialysis treatment the following day although Margaret promised to sit through it with him. Little did she know that he meant that he was ready to be at peace and return to the Lord.

Honorable, trustworthy, generous, lovable and respectable are just a few words to describe such a dignified family man but beyond that, he was always equipped with jokes and displayed his witty rhetoric on demand.

Mr. Binger is pre-deceased by his brother Oscar and sister Olga. He is survived by 2 sisters, Virginia Calvino (Miami), Martha (Cuba), brother Juan(Cuba), grandchildren, Dennis Jr. and Melissa, great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews and a host of cousins and extended family.

Though our hearts are heavy with the sudden passing, we rest assured knowing that he is finally at peace and home with his Savior.