In Memoriam: Rumsonite and Former Rumson Country Day Board Chair, Ron Shiftan, 80

Rumsonite and former Rumson Country Day School Board Chairman Ronald “Ron” Henri Shiftan, known as “a distinguished financier, visionary leader, and beloved husband, father, and grandfather,” passed away on Friday, Dec. 13, surrounded by his family. He was 80.

In the private sector in the area, “Ron served as a trustee of Riverview Medical Center and chairman of the Board of the Rumson Country Day School.

“In the public sector, Ron was appointed by Governor Whitman to serve as deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey beginning in 1998. This fulfilled an ambition that he had held since 1969. Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he stepped in as executive director and led the recovery of the Port Authority. His proudest professional achievement, Ron successfully restored continuity and operations within a remarkable 60-day period, helping the organization navigate one of the most challenging moments in its history …

“Even with his many professional achievements, Ron was most passionate about his family and friends. He was an accomplished croquet player, an avid sailor and skier, and a devoted (and often vocal) viewer of Sunday morning television news programs. He ingratiated all who met him; in his final days his doctors described him as their most kind, generous, and courageous patient. Above all, he treasured his family.

“His family and friends will forever cherish his legacy of love, leadership, resilience, and humor.”
Loved ones of Ron Shiftan in his obituary

Ron was born on July 30, 1944 to Ernest and Carolla Shiftan at the French Hospital in Manhattan, NY. He spent his formative years in Scarsdale, New York, alongside his younger brother, Tommy, who was born in 1946.

Ron graduated from Scarsdale High School in 1962 before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Virginia, graduating in 1966. His academic journey continued at Columbia University School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1969.

His time at Columbia included a defining moment in May 1968, when student protests erupted, leading to the occupation of Hamilton Hall. Ron was appointed by the administration to chair the student disciplinary committee tasked with resolving the aftermath of the protests — “a testament to his poise and leadership at a young age.”

In the summer of 1959, while still a teenager, Ron met the love of his life, Cecilia “Ceci,” on the beach in Amagansett, NY. They were married on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 24, 1966. “Together, they recently celebrated 58 years of marriage, marked by love, devotion, and shared adventures with trips across the globe.”

Ron’s career began at Smith Barney, where he served as vice president from 1969 to 1973, later joining Bear, Stearns & Company, rising to general partner in 1979 and heading the International Corporate Finance Department, ultimately managing teams on three continents.

After years in investment banking, Ron joined HealthCare Ventures as vice chairman. There, he played a pivotal role in financing the mapping of the human genome, through The Institute for Genetic Research and Human Genome Sciences Inc.

Later, Ron joined Lifetime Brands, Inc., where he served as vice chairman and Chief Operating Officer from 2005 until his retirement in 2018. Under Ron’s leadership, Lifetime Brands grew into a global leader in the housewares industry.

Ron is survived by: his wife of 58 years, Ceci; their two sons, Andrew and James and spouses Suzanne and Cindy; and six grandchildren, Maggie, Henry, Ellen, Ernest, Sam, and George.

He was predeceased by: his beloved granddaughter, Caroline; and his sister-in-law, Christina.

No services will be held at this time. Arrangements will be made at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Rumson First Aid www.rumsonems.org.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home