Ronald W. Gustafson, Sr.

Ronald W. Gustafson, Sr., 84

By Staten Island Advance Staten Island Advance
on January 23, 2015 at 1:59 PM, updated January 23, 2015 at 5:24 PM
2014 Family Photo

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Ronald W. Gustafson, Sr., 84, a retired Port Authority police officer and veteran who enjoyed being with his family, died Thursday in Charles W. Gerstenber Hospice Center, West Palm Beach.

Mr. Gustafson was born in Providence, Rhode Island. He moved with his family to New Brighton as a child. After his marriage, he relocated to New Dorp. A snowbird, he spent winters in West Palm Beach, and settled there permanently in 1999.

An alumnus of McKee High School, Mr. Gustafson served in the U.S. Navy from 1948-1950. He attained the rank of sonar technician and was stationed aboard the USS Brush in San Diego.
Mr. Gustafson was a Port Authority police officer for 20 years. Before he retired as a sergeant in 1977, he was assigned to the World Trade Center.

He was a member of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association (PBA). An avid golfer, he also enjoyed crabbing, playing sports, attending the theatre, visiting Atlantic City and spending summers on Long Beach Island. In addition, he loved supporting his grandchildren at their sporting events.

He was a loyal friend who was devoted to his family and will be deeply missed, his family said.
Mr. Gustafson is survived by his wife of 60 years, Norma; his sons, Ron Jr. and Robert; his daughters, Karen Gugino and Christine Ferone; his sister, Ruth DiToro; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Arrangements, including cremation, were handled by the Howard Quattlebaum Funeral Home, North Palm Beach, Fla.