Ronald J. Ulrich passed away on February 8, 2025, in New Canaan, CT, surrounded by his family. He was 80 years old.
Ron Ulrich
Ron was a 52-year resident of New Canaan. He and his wife, Christie, were married at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in 1971 before moving to the town in 1973 and raising three children. Ron was an active member of both the New Canaan Field Club and Country Club of New Canaan, where he played tennis, paddle, and golf.
Born in Binghamton, NY, Ron was blessed with determination and boundless energy. An Eagle Scout, by age 13, he also competed in statewide tennis tournaments throughout his childhood.
Despite being awarded a New York State Regents academic scholarship, he attended Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, where he played on the tennis team. Ron graduated in 1966 with bachelor’s degrees in industrial engineering and business administration, then moved to New York City where he worked on anti-poverty programs in Harlem. He earned an MBA from New York University in 1971.
Ron built a distinguished Wall Street career, starting at Mitchell Hutchins before spending 15 years as a partner and managing director at Morgan Stanley Group, where he co-founded Morgan Stanley Asset Management. In 1989, he established Equinox Capital Management, serving as chairman and chief investment officer for nearly 20 years.
Ron committed himself to many nonprofit organizations. He was a trustee of Lehigh University and served as board chairman. He received a Doctor of Humane Letters in 2005 and was the 2006 recipient of the “L in Life” award, presented to exceptional alumni who made an enduring impact on the school. In 2012, he was inducted into the Lehigh Athletics Hall of Fame. His philanthropic contributions to the school were numerous. Independently, Ron also provided financial support for three students from The Bahamas to attend Lehigh.
His deep appreciation for symphonic music came from his German mother, who regularly listened to WQXR. He served as a board member of The New York Philharmonic for 20 years and sat on the boards of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Wildlife Conservation Society, New Canaan Country School, and Lyford Cay Club. He was especially proud of his involvement with African Parks, a wildlife conservation organization and the largest parkland manager in Africa. He served as Chairman of the African Parks Foundation of America for 11 years. During this time, he visited Africa regularly and was instrumental in building the organization’s presence in the United States. Ron also made notable contributions to the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness to help care for and manage the stray animal population across the Bahamas. During their life together, he and his wife, Christie, shared devotion to animals and raised 11 rescue dogs.
A lifetime member of the American Alpine Club, Ron climbed many of the 4,000-meter peaks in the Alps. He was admitted into La Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, and his love of wine inspired him to try making his own at home. His backyard terroir ultimately proved more favorable for vegetables and maple syrup.
Ron was a member of The Lyford Cay Club, Blind Brook, The Links, The Brook, The University Club, Country Club of New Canaan, Shooting Star, Saucon Valley Country Club, Queenwood Golf Club and Mark’s Club.
Ron instinctively chose action over deliberation. He took great pleasure in engaging with people from all walks of life, and his warmth, generosity, extraordinary drive, and disarming sense of humor left a lasting impression. As much as he gave to others, Ron gave most to his family. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Christie; his sons, Benner, Adrian, and Collier; daughters-in-law Samantha and Marina; grandchildren, William, Andreas, Hayden, and Nina; and his brother Fred. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to African Parks or the New York Philharmonic.
For online condolences please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com.