Ronald Sheldon Leiffer

Ron was born in Montreal on September 16, 1937, to Cecilia Leiffer, a gifted musician with multiple other creative talents; and Edward Leiffer, a well-loved and respected man who no one could ever figure out. Ron attended school in Montreal, graduating from high school in 1953 and starting a Chemical Engineering degree at McGill University at the age of 15.

Even though he missed the key social development years of kindergarten and first grade, Ron managed to earn a reputation as a charismatic ladies’ man, charming women of all ages right up until the end of his life.

Despite his popularity, his involvement in the community, and the many demands on his time, Ron was extremely devoted to Merle, whom he met at the age of 15 during an annual trip to Old Orchard Beach, Maine. They were introduced by their parents, whose families had known each other for many years in Montreal. They married in 1958 and continued to take summer trips to Maine until they could no longer travel.

Ron and Merle started a family and he worked as a chemical engineer in Canada until returning to school for a second degree in Business. Ron’s jobs took the family to New York in 1974, then back to Montreal in 1976. In 1978, they moved permanently to Rye, NY, where Ron and Merle lived until after Ron retired from his position as a Vice President of Merrill Lynch in 1994. Ron and Merle became American citizens in 1996.

Ron continued to do some consulting work after retirement, but Merle eventually convinced him to move south. They only made it as far as New Jersey, however, where they settled at the Four Seasons Retirement Community in 1998. For the next 18 years, Ron lived the summer camp life, participating in a wide array of community activities, including bowling, bocce, tennis, theatre, playing cards, taking trips to Atlantic City, calling at Bingo, going to dances and parties, serving on the Finance Committee and the board of the Men’s Club, Chairing and hosting the Four Seasons Cable TV program, and winning several golf tournaments.

Over the years, Parkinson’s disease slowly forced Ron to give up more and more of the activities that he loved. Always staying positive, he found ways to keep his body and mind engaged, including swimming, stationary biking, using the putting green, doing puzzles and trivia, playing cards, going to dinners with friends, and following the stock market like a hawk.

In October of 2016, when Merle needed more help with Ron’s care, they moved back up north (five miles) to the Harrogate Retirement Community, where Merle was able to get some home health and day care help for Ron while they remained in an independent apartment.

Despite Ron’s increasing physical and cognitive disabilities, even his new friends and the staff at Harrogate grew to appreciate his wit, intelligence, and positive attitude toward life. Even as his ability to communicate diminished, this former Toastmasters Champion continued to charm and captivate the people around him. He enjoyed parties with friends as recently as New Year’s, and he participated in a sports games day at Harrogate only two weeks ago.

Parkinson’s finally took its toll, with a rapid decline in the past week of his life.

Ron was pre-deceased by a brother-in-law, Barry Levine and a daughter-in-law, Nancy Leiffer. He is survived by his wife, Merle; his son, Gary Leiffer, from Atlanta, GA and wife, Lynne Bell and her three sons; his daughter, Cynthia Leiffer from Orrington, ME, and wife, Edie Sherman, and her three children and six grandchildren; his sister, Carole Levin from Princeton, NJ and husband Simon; Nephew Jacob Levin from Lexington, MA, and wife Jeanette and their four children; niece Rachel Klopfer from Winchester, MA and husband Eric and their two children; his sister-in-law, Elaine Levine from Enfield, Ct; nephew Joel Levine from South Hadley, MA and wife Mariah and their son and daughter-in-law; and nephew Brian Levine from Enfield, CT and wife Jaimye. Ron will be missed by many special cousins and too many close friends to name.

An open house gathering and visiting hours in honor of Ron’s life will be held on Monday, February 11 from 1pm – 5 pm at D’Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701. Feel free to bring stories or photos to share informally around 3pm. There will be a private dinner and kaddish for the family and out of town guests on Monday evening. There will also be shiva hours from 1-5 on Tuesday February 12 at Harrogate, 400 Locust Street, Apt A138, Lakewood, NJ, 08701. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Parkinson’s Foundation 200 SE 1st Street Suite 800 Miami, FL 33131

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