Obituary
Ronald Stephan Willdigg, a dedicated attorney and esteemed member of the New York Police Department, passed away on August 14, 2024, at the age of 81. Born on October 13, 1942, in Queens, New York, Ronald grew up in Bellerose Village and attended Floral Park High School. He pursued higher education at Adelphi University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in History, and later obtained his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma. Ronald’s distinguished career included serving as a commissioned officer in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Taegu, Korea, and later rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. Among his most cherished memories were his years as an adjutant at the Army Intelligence School at Fort Bragg, where he formed lasting friendships, notably with Ted Mosch and James Dunn. Ronald was also an enthusiastic participant in ITAAS reunions, often reminiscing about his time at the school. In his professional life, Ronald spent over 40 years commuting on the Long Island Rail Road to his role at the NYPD as a staff analyst, forging many friendships on the train, including with Diane Bigus. His passion for writing was evident in his role as Director of the MOCLI Islander publication. An avid traveler, Ronald enjoyed exploring the world with his close friend James Dolan. He was also a political enthusiast who relished opportunities to engage with elected officials and was active in various political parties.
