Ronald Joseph Willa

Born on December 24, 1948, to Charles and Beatrice Willa, Ron was raised with his older brother, Dan, in Port Jefferson and Sound Beach, Long Island. His parents instilled in their sons the values of hard work, generosity, joy, and devotion to family.

Ron graduated from Port Jefferson High School (then Earl L. Vandermeulen High School) in 1966, maintaining close friendships from those years throughout his life. He first met his future wife, Linda Harnisch, in high school; they reconnected in college and began dating.

Ron attended undergraduate school at SUNY Oneonta before being drafted to Vietnam in 1968. He served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the “Sky Soldiers,” and later completed his degree at Ryder University. He earned a master’s degree in Accounting from Hofstra University.

Ron and Linda married on August 18, 1973, settled in Setauket, New York, and raised three daughters: Melissa, Kerri, and Meredith. He was a playful and devoted father. His daughters remember silly games—including the bouncy knee ride he called “to the dump”—his exaggerated Cookie Monster eyes, and his reliably corny jokes. His playfulness never left him, but as the years passed he became equally known for the quiet wisdom and well-timed life lessons he offered each of his daughters.

In the early 1970s, Ron began a 33-year career at SUNY Stony Brook, where he rose to serve as Controller of the Faculty Student Association. He took pride in his work, often referring to himself as a “bean counter.” Colleagues knew him as fair, supportive, and hardworking, and appreciated his ability to bring levity to the workplace.

Ron was generous with his time and giving back to the community, serving as a volunteer firefighter with the Setauket Fire Department; volunteering at the Mather Hospital gift shop and the Stony Brook Veterans Home; serving as Finance Chair of the Setauket United Methodist Church; participating in the Connections Team at North Naples Church; and most recently serving on the Finance Committee of Pelican Marsh in North Naples.

In retirement, Ron and Linda traveled to national parks and visited their daughters and grandchildren in San Francisco. He enjoyed reading historical nonfiction, playing chess, following Duke basketball, cheering for the New York Yankees, and spending time with friends at the gatherings of southwest Florida. He was also an avid coin collector and enjoyed playing tennis, softball, pickleball, and bocce over the years. He loved a good party—dancing and celebrating with family and friends.

Ron is survived by his wife and best friend, Linda; his daughters Melissa (Colin), Kerri (Martin), and Meredith (Stephen); his brother Dan (Gail); six grandchildren, Emmett, Ansel, Charles, Luca, Willa, and Evelyn; five nieces and nephews; and one goddaughter.

When once asked about his most memorable life experiences, Ron answered: “Marriage; the births of my three daughters; and making seven jumps during Airborne Brigade training in 1969.”

In his 77 years, Ron lived with joy, compassion, and a youthful spirit grounded in perspective. He often reminded those around him that life is short and encouraged others not to sweat the small stuff. His empathy, his love for life, and his jokes will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Please join us as we honor Ron’s life and legacy on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11am, with a memorial service at North Naples Church, Goodlette Frank Road, Naples, FL.

A Celebration of Life reception will follow at the Arielle Community Cabana, Pelican Marsh in North Naples.

In lieu of flowers, to continue Ron’s legacy of compassion and generosity, the family recommends donations to Breakthrough T1D for type 1 diabetes research and advocacy and to the American Diabetes Association for broader diabetes work. Links to donate to these organizations are below.