William Ronan
William John Ronan | |
|---|---|
| Born | 8 November 1912 Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
| Died | 15 October 2014 (aged 101) West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Academic, public official |
| Years active | 1953–1990 |
| Known for | First chairman of New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority; chairman of Port Authority of New York and New Jersey |
William John Ronan (November 8, 1912 – October 15, 2014) was a distinguished American academic and public official who established and served as the inaugural chairman of New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority from 1968 until 1974. Subsequently, he led the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as chairman between 1974 and 1977 and continued as a board member until 1990. Before his tenure in public administration, Ronan was a government professor at New York University and held the position of dean at NYU's graduate school of public service from 1953 to 1958. His transition into state government occurred in 1958 when he became a principal aide to Governor Nelson Rockefeller of New York.
Early life and education
Born in Buffalo, New York to William and Charlotte Ronan (née Ramp), William John Ronan was raised in an Episcopalian household with Irish and Alsatian ancestry. His father worked as a businessman while his mother was a homemaker. Both parents were committed members of the Democratic Party. Ronan completed his undergraduate studies at Syracuse University in 1934, followed by earning a doctorate in international law and diplomacy from New York University. Between 1953 and 1958, he served as dean at NYU and played a pivotal role in founding the Wagner School of Public Service.
Career
Ronan was instrumental in founding the Tri-State Transportation Commission. In 1965, Governor Nelson Rockefeller appointed him as the first chairman of the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Authority (MCTA). Under his leadership, the MCTA acquired control of the Long Island Rail Road from the Pennsylvania Railroad.
On February 29, 1968, the MCTA published a comprehensive 56-page proposal titled "Metropolitan Transportation, a Program for Action," outlining significant subway and railroad enhancements. Ronan strongly endorsed this initiative, remarking, "We're making up for 30 years of do-nothingism." The following day, the agency removed "Commuter" from its name, becoming the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which assumed responsibility for transit systems in the New York City region with Ronan as its chairman.
During Ronan's tenure, the MTA progressed on key infrastructure developments such as the 63rd Street Line, part of the Second Avenue Subway, and the Archer Avenue Line. Additionally, the agency oversaw the closure of the Bronx's Third Avenue elevated line.
Later life
Following his departure from the Port Authority, Ronan retired to Florida. He became a widower in 1996 after losing his wife of 57 years, Elena Vinadé. Ronan died peacefully from natural causes at his residence in West Palm Beach, Florida, on October 15, 2014, aged 101.
See also
References
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- 1912 births
- 2014 deaths
- New York University faculty
- American men centenarians
- Syracuse University alumni
- New York University School of Law alumni
- Executives of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority
- Chairmen of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey