After living a blessedly full, happy and generous life, Ronald Otto Himberg, 81, passed peacefully on Sunday, May 10th. For the past 50 years, Ron was a resident of Manlius with his beloved wife Pat. Ron was born in East Syracuse on March 14, 1934 to Otto Frederick Himberg and Lena Daffler Himberg. As a hard working young man, Ron excelled in both athletics (all county QB, basketball point guard, baseball catcher and track) and in academics (Valedictorian of the East Syracuse High Class of 1951). Ron proudly attended the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College on a full scholarship. After graduation, he served as a First Lieutenant and paratrooper in the US Army for 3 years.
As an astute entrepreneur, Ron started three companies that specialized in the technical marketing of electronics. For a new challenge Ron changed careers at the age of 55 and entered the world of finance. He continued to work every day until 5 months ago.
Ron was a longtime member of The Turners Club, The Cavalry Club, Francis House Board of Directors and Immaculate Conception Church Finance Committee. A favorite past time was volunteering side by side with Pat for Francis House, The Sisters of St. Francis and ushering at church.
Ron regarded his greatest accomplishments in life by far to be his daughter and grandchildren. We would be hard pressed to find a more devoted father and grandfather. Ron, known as “Dutch” by old school buddies, “Moose Senior” by family and “Deda” by his beloved grandchildren, was always known as a consummate gentleman, a true friend and a kind soul.
Ron was predeceased by his parents; brother, William and sister, Virginia. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia Witz Himberg; daughter and son-in-law Holly and Marty Dowd (Manlius), grandchildren Kelsey Austin and Riley Otto Dowd; close friends and sisters-in-law Linda Sauter (Syracuse), Robert and Sandra Hirsh (Florida) and brother-in-law, Timothy and Jane Witz (Rochester). On the Himberg side, Ron is survived by nephew, John (Beth) Happick (Maryland) and niece, Janis Happick (Syracuse).
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 12th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Immaculate Conception Church, 400 Salt Springs St., Fayetteville. A funeral celebrating Ron’s life will take place on Wednesday, May 13th at 10:00 AM, also at IC church.
At Ron’s request in lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund at CBA will be created to help deserving students who excel in math and engineering. Please send donations to the Ronald O. Himberg Scholarship Fund at Christian Brothers Academy, c/o Patricia Callahan 6245 Randall Road Syracuse, NY 13214.

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