Ronald J. Morony

Long time Federal employee and Lead expert

Ronald J. Morony died on February 9, 2024, from complications of prostate cancer.  He was 83. He began his 53-year federal career in 1963 at the US Navy’s Chesapeake Division (“Ches Div”) at the Washington Navy Yard, right after graduating from the City College of New York. Initially hired as a civil engineer, he worked on several projects including housing for Air Force One and eventually became the Navy’s chief structural engineer.  During this time, he became keenly aware of the difficulties faced by women and minorities in applying for traditionally male dominated jobs.  He worked closely with his local Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) chapter and created many opportunities for women to train in technical positions.

In 1972, he left the Navy to work for the Department of Housing and Urban Development and it was here that he developed interest and expertise in lead-based paint abatement.   He worked very closely with the Centers for Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency to develop a national lead policy that became known as Title X. He eventually headed HUD’s Office of Lead based paint abatement and Poisoning Prevention, issuing grants to state and local government and developing procedures for lead abatement and testing.  He continued his efforts to help women and minorities advance and he was cited several times for these efforts.  

In 1997 he moved to the Environmental Protection Agency and continued his work on lead abatement which resulted in the RP rule, profoundly changing how contractors would address lead hazards. He was interviewed in several publications that found their way to pediatricians’ offices on the hazards of lead-based paint for children, ultimately reaching thousands of parents.  He continued to mentor friends and colleagues and worked for NTEU as a part time investigator.  He also volunteered outside of his regular job to work on the Help Desk for Hurricane Katrina where he reportedly told friends that when you enjoy what you’re doing so much, it isn’t work. Upon retirement he received a distinguished service award for outstanding contributions.

He leaves behind his wife, Melissa Friedland, whom he married in 2010. He was predeceased by his first wife, Rosemarie (Giuliano) who died in 2000. He also leaves behind 2 adult children, Angela Clifton and John Morony; 5 grandchildren, Julie Purdie, Rachel Simonetta, Anthony Morony, Edward Morony, and Lilianne Morony; and a stepson, Felix Shapiro.

A memorial service is planned. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the City College of New York, designated to the CiPASS fund. Donations can be made online (https://giving.ccny.cuny.edu/page.aspx?pid=298) or via mail to:

The City College of New York

Office of Development and Institutional Advancement

160 Convent Avenue, Shepard 154

New York, NY 10031

Please include “In Memory of Ronald J. Morony” on the memo line of your check.