Ronald Howard Altman, 89, of Ocean Springs, Miss., passed away on Nov. 29, 2025, in Savannah, Ga., with his wife and children by his side. Ron was a dedicated family man, a lifelong educator, and a person who brought joy and laughter to anyone lucky enough to be graced by his presence. His legacy lives on, through the lives he touched and the values he instilled in his children and grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held graveside at 2 pm on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at Springhill Avenue Temple cemetery at 765 Owens St. in Mobile, Ala., with Rabbi Edward Boraz officiating.
Born April 9, 1936, in Boston, Mass. to Charles and Rose Alice Altman, Ron grew up in Brookline, Mass. Ron served in the United States Air Force and earned post-secondary degrees from Texas Tech University and the University of Miami. Ron settled in South Florida where he worked for decades as an educator in the Miami-Dade County Public School system, first as a history teacher and later as a middle school assistant principal and an adult education assistant principal. Ron met his wife, Bernarda, when they both worked at Miami-Edison Middle School, charming her with his renditions of Simon and Garfunkel songs, and they married in 1980. Serving as president of both the Dade County School Administrators’ Association, or DCSAA, as well as the Adult and Community Educators of Florida, Ron fought successfully to improve working conditions for educators throughout the state. Ron was recognized with awards from DCSAA, the United Way, Miami-Dade Adult Continuing Education, and Youth Crime Watch of Miami-Dade. After retiring, Ron moved to Ocean Springs to be closer to his family.
A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Ron was known for his sense of humor – ready with a dad joke and a smile – as well as his kindness. Ron always thought of others before himself and was unfailingly empathetic and generous. He was a devoted fan of the University of Miami, Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers, Miami Marlins, Boston Red Sox, and Boston Celtics. Ron loved animals and volunteered for the Humane Society of South Mississippi, helping dogs and cats find loving homes. A voracious reader, Ron also volunteered at the Ocean Springs Municipal Library. He enjoyed travelling with his wife and pets in his RV. Ron’s greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He lived a full, active, and happy life until the end, taking his youngest granddaughter to Disney World less than two months before his passing.
Ron is survived by his wife of 45 years, Bernarda Altman; his children Amy Rotker (Bobby Rotker), Ken Altman (Judi Altman), Cynthia Rippé (Phillip Rippé), and George Altman (Carrie Annand); and his grandchildren Shaina Rotker, Liv Rotker, Asher Altman, Barrett Altman, Caleb Rippé, Clara-Ann Rippé, Christian Rippé, and Zoe Altman.
The service may be live streamed at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83793678275?pwd=CKJH6cJ8cLrJsO3NZqMzvaYdzbD2zt
Meeting ID: 837 9367 8275
Passcode: Altman
