Newman, Ronald D
Richmond
Newman, Ronald D., 69, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at South County Hospital in Wakefield. He was the beloved husband of Cathleen (Young) Newman for 9 years. Born in Providence, a son of the late Senek and Judith (Sternberg) Newman, he had lived in Richmond for the last 64 years. He attended Chariho High School and the University of Rhode Island where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications in 1978.
He was a marketing specialist and inspector for the Rhode Island Department of Agriculture for 29 years, retiring in 2024. He was monumental in bringing products by Rhody Fresh to the markets and was responsible for assisting taxpayers in obtaining farmland designations to help preserve open space. Ronnie served on the town council for the Town of Richmond as a past President and was seen as fair and impartial; but also, eager to reach across the aisle to meet his constituents and fellow incumbents where they were to reach a solution that served both sides and the community in a meaningful way. He was a frequent flyer of the Farmers Markets, he made it his priority to support the people who needed it most and to make sure that anyone he met left feeling secure, cared for and in a better place than when he met them. He was a firm believer that laughter was the best medicine and made sure to share this line of thinking with everyone, even if he was just busting you up or sparring, he made sure to keep it light.
Devoted dog father of Madison.
Dear brother of Sharon Newman-Roberts, her husband Bert; Stephen Newman all of Richmond and Magistrate Edward Newman, his wife Diane, of Exeter.
Loving uncle of Shauna Major, her husband Steve of Richmond, Shana Newman of Providence, and Rachel Newman of Bluffkin, SC.
Cherished great uncle of Olivia, Chase and Sydney.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in SHALOM MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 1100 New London Ave., Cranston. Shiva will be observed at his late residence, 336 Kingstown Road, Richmond, RI 02892, Tuesday, April 1, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Minyan service beginning at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Rhode Island SPCA, 155 Plan Way, Warwick, RI 02886 or the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Center, 401 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence, RI 02906
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Shalom Memorial Chapel
1100 New London Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 463-7771
(877) 463-7771
Fax: (401) 463-7850
ShalomChapel@aol.com
Absolutely heart broken..woeds cannot describe how Ronnie just made life better, he will never be forgotten and my sympathies go out to Kathy, his family and to all who knew and loved him. Including my parents that I hope were in heaven greeting him! Rest in peace my dear friend. Lis
To the Newman family, You all have my family’s sincere condolences on Ron’s passing. I’m very certain that your dear mother and father welcomed Ronny’s soul upon his passing. My prayers are with each and every one of you.
So true – Ronnie loved to tease me at DEM! He always had a kind word or a laugh. My day was always a little brighter when I would run into him. Rest in Peace.
The laughs we shared, I’ll always cherish. I’ll always remember that gnocchi is from New Yorky. You will be truly missed, my funny friend. Love you and Cathy!
Kind regards,
Kristin L. Schober
Cathy I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences and sympathy is with you during this tough time. Rest on peace Ronald.
My deepest condolences to Kathy and the Newman ‘kids’. Ronnie was my country brother who gave my brother and me rides on the John Deere and played ‘egg toss’ when we’d visit as kids. But when ever I spoke or saw him, he’d make my cry…with laughter. Luckily I spoke with him just a little while ago to tell him how much he meant to me in my perspective on life. What an honor to have known people like Ronnie, Zenek, and Judith. I am now on my own little farm and will smile.when I open the shed doors to see a John Deere tractor.
I have many memories of Ron as a student at Chariho High School and as an adult. Ron truly had a gift to make you feel special. Years would go by between “running” into Ron, but I always felt like we had just seen each other recently. God Bless You Ronald Newman
I will remember Ronnie as one of the kindest people I’ve known. My condolences to his family; he was a gem.
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know Ronnie..from chariho to working for his brother Ed. He always had me smiling…I never knew where I would see him next…my deepest condolences to Ed, Stephen, and Sharon and their families…you are all in my thoughts n prayers
Ronnie made the world a better place for all that we’re privileged to have known him. Our prayers are with Cathy and family. Rest in peace my brother.
To The Newman Family:-
Sympathies on Ronnie’s passing
May he rest in eternal peace
We always loved his friendship and sense of humor! He did a lot for our town because he always cared. We’ll miss you Ron! Be in peace.
My heart breaks for you Cathy. Ronnie was a special person with a big heart.
My sincere condolences for your loss. I met Ronnie at URI Hillel in 1977. I had recently moved to RI, knew no one and Ronnie extended a warm hand of friendship and welcome. He made those first few months so much easier. This being RI, our paths would cross every few years and he would enthusiastically greet me, exchange a story or a joke and of course, doing it with a big smile.
He was a gift to us all.
I knew Ron for many years as a vendor at several DEM farmers’s market. He was always friendly and helpful to both me and the customers. Funny, with an offbeat sense of humor. He kept things running smoothly with a low key and positive and for manner. With medical problems on both our parts, I hadn’t seen him while. With Ron now gone and Pete Susi several years ago, the founders and developers of the DEM markets are gone. As a Portsmouth resident only getting the Sunday PROJO, I might not have known. I’m sorry he won’t be with us in person. Hopefully in spirit. To his friends and family I’m saddened for his passing.
Condolences to Cathy and the rest of the family. May your memories provide you strength through this tough time. He will be greatly missed by all.
I’m so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He was such a great friend to me when we went to Chariho High school together. He had a great sense of humor!! Mymay his soul rest in peace.
Will always remember his sense of humor
Al Bettencourt
Chairman Farmer Service Agency
Former director RI Farm Bureau
We were so saddened to hear of Ronnie’s death. Our condolences to you, Cathy, and to the entire family.
My condolences to the Newman Family. I have known Ronnie for 43 years and every time I ran into him, it was a joy. He was a very considerate person who made everyone feel better who knew him.
He will be missed so much.
My deepest sympathies and condolences to Ronnie’s family. May his memory bring a warm smile to your face.
I wish to express my sincere condolences to the Newman family. My dad, who has also passed, knew Ron well and thought the world of him. My heart goes out to Ed, a dear friend of mine and who I know well through our work. I pray for Ron and his entire family. May he rest in peace.
We will always remember Ronnie as caring & smiling. This town is much better off because of his generous spirit. So sorry for your loss, Cathy.
To The Extended Newman Family,
Cherish the memories of Ronnie, and he will never be far. It was my privilege and an honor to know and serve on Town Council with Ron. To his wife and family, he lived an honorable life and he will be missed.
Greetings:
Warmest Regards and Condolences to your whole family. I did not include everything but I submitted an letter to the editor to The Westerly Sun on Ronnie and noting the Newman family, which I have been informed will be in the Monday, March 31,2025; edition.
Ronnie was a friendly and committed person. I am sad at his passing. He and I were on the opposite sides politically but I enjoyed him and Steve as I was in school with Steve older and Ronnie younger. I remember Bert Roberts when he was younger.
I plan to visit the pay my respects in person at the funeral home.
Respectfully yours;
Scott Bill Hirst
DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO CATHY AND THE NEWMAN FAMILY WE ARE HEARTBROKEN OVER THIS NEWS RONNIE WAS ALWAYS A CARING AND LOVING FRIEND . REST IN PEACE
Ronnie was one of the nicest and funniest guys I’ve ever met. I had known Ronnie for over 35 years, and despite this length of time, I still never really knew if he was serious or joking when telling his countless wonderfully outlandish stories until several moments later. I have fond memories of him disguising his voice on the phone when calling a friend to put them on the spot, with the call always ending in uproarious laughter on both ends of the phone when his foil finally figured out it was the always quick-witted prankster R0nnie, reveling in the delight of the joyous mischief he was so masterful at creating. As hilarious as Ronnie was, he was also very empathetic and a good listener, always asking how your family was and to make sure to tell you that Ronnie says hi. And he surely struck gold when he met and finally married the love of his life Cathy. She truly appreciated his unique sense of humor, and of course, his kindness to everyone he met. With Ronnie, we have all lost an incredible giant of a person, a true original. As immense as the loss of Ronnie will be for all that were fortunate enough to cross his path, we will always have fond memories of Ronnie’s generous, humorous spirit to treasure. Thanks for blessing us all with your marvelous presence, Ronnie. You will truly be missed.
To the Newman Family,
My deepest sympathy for such a great loss to your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I also believe that laughter is the best medicine.
I was so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Ron was probably my first friend as he lived directly across the street growing up. His father used to drive us to school and it was an adventure driving with him as he made the ride fun. Since they moved when we were very young other than a few visits to the house he we connected again at URI. He was a great person and will be sorely missed.
My condolences to the Newman Family. Ron was well-liked and a legend at RI DEM. May God enlighten his soul.
My deepest sympathy to the Newman and Roberts families on Ron’s passing. At Chariho, during our student years, we had some classes together, many lunches and a lot of laughs and good natured banter. Ron was one of the nicest people I have ever had the honor of knowing. God’s blessings on you Ron and your family.
To the Newman family – we are so sorry for your loss. Ronnie was such a special person, and he always put a smile on your face with his original humor. Our memories of Ronnie will always be of him happy and full of life. May he rest in peace.
Ted and Ronnie were together in school since the first grade. I met Ronnie when I transferred to Chariho. He always had a smile on his face and seemed like a happy guy.
Our deepest condolences to his family on his passing. He will be missed by so many.
Judge, I was so saddened to hear that Ronnie passed away.
My thoughts are with you and the entire Newman family. Tanchumin.
Ed and Diane
Our condolences for the loss of your brother.
I hope your memories will always be of comfort to you and your family.
Ron was a very special man. We met when he was organizing agriculture day at the state house and he wanted the company I work for Dave’s marketplace to be one of the exhitbors. He suggested that we serve his favorite item stuffies and over the years we enjoyed working with him. His humor and kindness will be missed
My deepest sympathy to Cathy, Steven and the Newman family. I worked with Ronnie at DEM I have a lot of great memories working with him. I will miss his phone call around ground hog day, he’d always ask if I saw my shadow. My heart is broken but I know he’s at peace now. Miss you my friend.