Ronald A. Naumann, M.D., son of Marshall O. Naumann and Helen S. Naumann, passed away May 4, 2021. He lived an active, full, and rich life. He was born on July 5, 1934 in Elsmere, N.Y., moved to Syracuse and met the love of his life in third grade. They parted ways for a time, when his family moved to Baldwinsville, where he continued his schooling, until he entered LeMoyne College and received a bachelor’s degree in biology. While in the library at his alma mater, Upstate Medical School, he reunited with Kathryn R. Dawson, who would soon become his devoted wife of 58 years, until her death in 2016.
Ron was a man of many passions. He deeply loved and was devoted to his family and is now survived by his brother, Paul S. Naumann, J.S.; his children Melanie N. Stensrud (Michael), Paul C. Naumann (Caroline), Robin N. Costello (Barry), and Katrin L. Naumann. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Meg and Jeffery Stensrud; Fred, Georgia and Sam Naumann; Kathryn and Clare Costello; and Coe and Atlas Hutchinson, and delighted in his relationships with cherished nieces and nephews and friends around the world.
His career-life brought him enormous satisfaction, through the service he offered his patients and the enriching relationships he cultivated with his mentors and colleagues, who supported his work as a neurosurgeon at both St. Joseph’s Hospital and Community General Hospital, in Syracuse.
He served as both a regent and trustee of his undergraduate alma mater, LeMoyne College. He was an active member of the Onondaga County Medical Society. He also served as a board member of Onondaga Golf and Country Club.
As a man of prodigious faith, Ron was devout in his love of God, and he continued to explore the infinite ways in which the divine is made manifest in the material world. He was a lector at his home church, Holy Cross, in DeWitt. He was also very active in cultivating Small Christian Communities at St. Francis by the Sea in Hilton Head, SC, and The Nottingham, where he resided most recently.
Ron was also committed to supporting his community as an enthusiastic patron of the arts and philanthropist. He was an ardent outdoorsman, who made a valiant effort at becoming a ‘46er, though he remained a few peaks shy of the honor. His passion for photography was one of the many reasons he was so frequently drawn to the Adirondacks. Ron and Kay and their children grew into global citizens, as a result of the trips Ron and family took in both the U.S. and abroad.
As a life-long learner, education was tremendously important to Ron. He continued his studies of history and comparative religion, among other subjects, through Oasis Senior Education Program. He also instilled this deep curiosity about life and its workings and his passion for inquiry into his children and grandchildren. He was a natural storyteller and was working on his own memoir up until the final days of his remarkable life.
A celebratory Memorial Service for Ron will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, at Holy Cross Church, DeWitt. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Ron’s honor to Francis House, Syracuse NY, where he was compassionately cared for in his final hours of life: francishouseny.org/make-a-donation/. Condolences for the family may be left at michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.
You are deeply loved, dear Pop. We are infinitely grateful for all you have offered us, and we will miss you…
