Senate Resolution No. 2113
BY: Senator HINCHEY
MOURNING the death of Ronald F. Lipton,
distinguished citizen, devoted public servant, and
cherished member of his community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavors
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great State; and
WHEREAS, Ronald "Ron" F. Lipton, a respected community leader and
impassioned public servant, died on January 22, 2026, at the age of 85,
in Lexington, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born in 1940 and raised in New York and Connecticut, Ron
Lipton lived a life defined by intellectual curiosity, a love of the
outdoors, and a deep and abiding commitment to civic engagement and
public service; and
WHEREAS, Ron Lipton embodied the idea that it is insufficient to
only discuss the issues facing the world; rather, each person must also
actively work to change the world for the better, starting in their own
community; and
WHEREAS, As a young professor of political science at New York
University during the late 1960s, Ron Lipton inspired his students to
grapple with the difficult questions and issues of their time; and
WHEREAS, As someone whose vision extended beyond our own continent,
he was deeply committed to humanitarian service and global engagement
with these ideals, leading him to work with the international aid
organization CARE in the early 1970s, and spending several years in Iran
advancing long-term development initiatives, strengthening rural
infrastructure, and establishing health education and nutrition centers;
and
WHEREAS, Returning to the United States, Ron Lipton continued his
public service in California as an advisor to then-Governor Jerry Brown
during a pivotal era of environmental and economic reform, contributing
to forward-thinking initiatives including environmental conservation
efforts, renewable energy advancement, and programs supporting young
people and working families; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Ron Lipton remained steadfast in his
dedication to improving the lives of others, later contributing his
talents in Florida through the development of an innovative independent
school, management of a medical clinic serving economically
disadvantaged communities, and assistance to individuals navigating
Medicare; and
WHEREAS, Upon relocating to Lexington, New York in 2006, what might
have been a period of retirement instead became a new chapter of active
community involvement, as he offered his time, skills, and insight to
neighbors, local businesses, and civic causes on the Mountain Top; and
WHEREAS, He served with distinction as Co-Chair of the Lexington
Town Democratic Committee, and was an active member of Mountain Top
Progressives; Ron Lipton was a valued voice in local politics and a
tireless advocate for community participation and good governance; and
WHEREAS, Known for his generosity, ingenuity, and knowledge of
government, Ron Lipton was a trusted friend and advisor who assisted
others in cutting through red tape and navigating complex regulatory
systems; and
WHEREAS, His ideas also had a statewide impact; he advocated for
stronger ratepayer protections to truly hold utilities accountable to
the public, inspiring legislation designed to benefit everyday consumers
rather than large corporations; and
WHEREAS, During his retirement, Ron Lipton's drive to contribute to
a better world never diminished as he continued his advocacy in a wide
range of areas, from improving energy policy to the responsible
management of sturgeon populations to ensure they would thrive; and
WHEREAS, Mountain Top residents, and all who knew him, will forever
remember Ron Lipton as an esteemed friend whose steady judgment and
moral clarity were inseparable from his joy for life and deep commitment
to activism; one whose character was revealed in shared meals and music,
in exploration of the Catskills' natural splendor, and in his boundless
compassion for all creatures great and small, wild and domesticated; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and a compassionate heart,
Ron Lipton leaves behind a legacy of service, integrity, and
community-minded leadership that will long be remembered and cherished;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the life and mourn the death of Ron Lipton, recognizing his
distinguished life and extending its deepest condolences to his family
and friends; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Ronald F. Lipton.
