Ronald Fox

Ronald “Ron” Fox passed away on August 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and friends. A devoted husband to Gina, a very proud father to his beautiful daughter Hannah, dear family member to many including his father and mother-in-law Joseph and Patricia, father-in-law Markell and Lorraine, sister-in-law Christina (Travis), brother-in-law to Joseph and Philip, and dear “Uncle Ron” to Olivia, Sarah, Amelia, Eric, and Stella. He was also a dear grandchild, nephew and cousin, friend and mentor to many. Ron is predeceased by his father Dr. Harold Fox, his mother Beverly Fox, and his brother Jeffrey Fox. Ron will be remembered for his warm, kind and genuine manner, his generosity, and for his tremendous talent as a musician. Ron’s absence is a huge loss to all of his loved ones and to the music community.

Ron was born in Freeport, New York on August 4, 1960, to Harold and Beverly Fox. Ron lived in Queens, New York with his parents and brother until he was eight years old. His family then moved to Dix Hills where Ron attended school in the Commack School District. After graduating from Commack High School, Ron attended and graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor’s Degree in trumpet performance. Ron then attended Dowling College in Oakdale, New York and graduated with a Master’s Degree in music education.

Ron was a music educator for over thirty years. As an educator, Ron has been an adjunct professor at Suffolk Community College where he directed the concert band and Jazz Ensemble. Ron taught music in the Huntington School District and in the East Islip School District from 1993 to 2022. Ron spent part of his career in East Islip as a band teacher at East Islip High School where he also taught marching band and jazz ensemble and spent the latter part of his career teaching band at JFK Elementary School. Ron was a highly respected educator and mentor to many. His tremendous talent and passion for music influenced and inspired so many of his students. Ron retired from teaching in East Islip in 2022.

Ron was a highly respected and admired musician. His ability and talent playing the trumpet was tremendous. He was a master trumpet player. Ron was a founding member of the Funk Filharmonik, a member of That 70’s Band, a member of the New Millennium Jazz Band, and a member of the Swingtime Jazz Band. Ron has performed music all around the world. Ron studied with James Burke, Cecil Bridgewater, Dave Burns, and Gilbert Johnson. As a performer, Ron has played lead trumpet with Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, Frankie Valli, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Gloria Gaynor, Tony Orlando, Tom Jones, Dionne Warwick and the Rainbow Room Orchestra. As a freelance artist, Ron performed in many musicals and was involved in many recordings.

Ron met his wife Gina at a Funk Filharmonik performance. Gina and Ron married in 2006 and were very happily married for twenty years. Gina and Ron had an incredibly respectful, loving and beautiful marriage. They have a daughter Hannah who currently attends the University of Alabama. Ron was very proud of Hannah. Ron and Hannah loved spending time together, especially going to see the Mets. Ron, Gina, and Hannah enjoyed many trips together. Ron was an incredibly thoughtful, loving, kind, and caring husband and father. Gina and Hannah will miss him incredibly.

Ron battled cancer courageously over the past few years. Ron was so strong. Regardless of how ill he was feeling, he continued to live his life to the fullest. Ron pushed himself and never complained about his condition. His family and his music were everything to him. To say Ron will be missed doesn’t even come close to how his loved ones feel.

Ron you are so brave. You are an inspiration. You have enriched our lives. We love you forever. Your passing has left so much pain in our hearts. God bless.