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Ronald Benjamin, CPA
December 31, 1941 - June 22, 2023
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Dear NABA Members,
It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of our beloved longtime member, Ronald Benjamin. Ron, as he was affectionately known, left us on June 22, 2023, at the age of 81. His remarkable contributions to our organization and the accounting profession will forever be remembered and cherished.
Ron Benjamin was born on December 31, 1941, in the Bronx, and he was a true product of his community. He completed his education at Pace University, earning a Baccalaureate Degree in Business Administration – Public Accountancy. Ron's passion for knowledge led him to pursue a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business.
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In 1984, Ron achieved a significant milestone in his career when he was admitted to the partnership of Mitchell & Titus, LLP. As the partner-in-charge of the Nonprofit Organizations practice, he played a pivotal role in shaping the firm's policies and procedures related to accounting and audit matters for nonprofit organizations. His expertise and dedication were instrumental in guiding Mitchell & Titus to become a respected name in the industry. Prior to his time at Mitchell & Titus, Ron was a director at Stewart, Benjamin & Brown, P.C., which merged with Mitchell & Titus, and served as an Executive in Residence at CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Division (CLA) until April 2022.
Ron's leadership extended beyond his professional endeavors. He actively participated in the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA), where he served on various committees and held prominent positions. Ron's contributions were invaluable, and he chaired both the Accounting for Nonprofit Organizations Committee and the Exempt Organizations Committee. He also served on the Board of Directors for NYSSCPA, making a lasting impact on the profession.
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A true trailblazer, Ron was one of the "Founding NABA Nine" and played an instrumental role in the establishment of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). His commitment to NABA and its mission of fostering diversity and inclusion in the accounting field was unwavering. Ron's dedication and advocacy will forever be remembered by our organization and the broader accounting community. | |
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"I have had the privilege of knowing Ron since the early stages of his professional journey. We worked together for a significant period of three years at a firm formerly known as Ross, Stewart, and Benjamin. Throughout the years, Ron consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, unwavering support, dependability, and a remarkable commitment to uplifting young professionals. His invaluable support during our collaborative efforts in establishing NABA was truly impactful. Ron played a crucial role in the formation of NABA, and his signature stands proudly among the initial signatures on NABA's incorporation documents."
– Frank Ross, CPA-retired, NABA Founder
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"Ron embodied the qualities of kindness, respect, and dedication, always ready to lend a helping hand in empowering others to reach their career aspirations. Throughout our journey
together, we shared numerous significant life moments, including our first jobs, his marriage, the joyous arrival of his children, our roles as founding members of NABA, and countless others. His absence leaves a profound void in our hearts, and his presence will be deeply missed."
–Earl Biggett, Sr., CPA-retired, NABA Founder
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In addition to his professional achievements, Ron leaves behind a legacy of love and family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carmen Benjamin, his daughters Nicolle and Danielle, his son Christopher Benjamin, his son-in-law Joshua Kurz, and his cherished grandchildren, Zachary and Ian. Ron is also mourned by his sister Christine (Tina) Benjamin-Austin, half-brother Frederick Garvey, brother-in-law John Austin, nephew Ari Benjamin, and cousins Marilyn Smith and Michael Garvey. | |
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If you would like to honor Ron's life and legacy, visitation will take place today from 4-8 pm at the Joseph A. Lucchese Funeral Home, located at 726 Morris Park Avenue in the Bronx. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 8, at 10 am at the funeral home. Following the service, a cremation ceremony will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, situated at East 233rd Street and Webster Avenue, also in the Bronx.
During this difficult time, let us join together as a supportive and compassionate community. We extend our deepest condolences to the Benjamin family, and we share in their grief. Ron's impact will forever be felt, and his memory will serve as an inspiration for all of us to continue striving for excellence.
If you would like to express your condolences or share any memories of Ron, please feel free to reach out to us. We will ensure that your messages are conveyed to the Benjamin family.
May Ron's soul rest in eternal peace, and may we carry forward his legacy of excellence, compassion, and dedication to our profession and our community.
Sincerely,
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Guylaine Saint Juste
President & CEO, NABA Inc.
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Herschel Frierson
National Board Chair, NABA Inc.
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