Ronald Newton Stephenson was remembered as an outstanding student at Kingston College from which he graduated in 1966. He continued his studies at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical engineering. In addition, he pursued advanced studies in engineering and project management at Columbia University and New Jersey Institute of Technology.
After his academic studies, he worked as an electrical engineer at Western Union in Ramsey, New Jersey. Thereafter, he went on to own and manage several businesses including the night club, Zamaca, in New Rochelle, New York and Cacique, the famous West Indian restaurant at the foot of the World Trade Center, in downtown New York City.
In a well attended memorial service on March 26, 2013, Ronald was remembered as a "man's man”, a loyal Jamaican, a music aficionado, a true Fortis and one committed to uplifting the less fortunate. So it was not by chance that his family asked for donations (in lieu of flowers) to be used to assist needy students at Kingston College. His family plans to donate a scholarship in his memory to a student at Kingston College.
Ronald was intensely adoring of and involved in the care, development and perpetuation of his family. He was the most loyal friend a person could ask for. He was well known for his cooking and his generosity in the kitchen and with everything he had a passion for; he shared his knowledge on many subjects and was especially mindful in the influence we have on our youth.
It was revealed that Ronald “truly loved” Jamaica. In the end, the Jamaican colors and KC Tie were pinned to his lapel.
The Stephenson family started the Ronald Stephenson Memorial Scholarship in 2013 with two students and increased it to three in 2014. They have also contributed to the KC Library & Technology Capital Campaign in his honor.