- Date Of Birth: September 17, 1943
- Date Of Death: February 29, 2020
- State: New York
Born on September 17, 1943 – Departed on February 29, 2020 and resided in White Plains, NY.
Ronald J. Stytzer was born in Pennsylvania on September 17, 1943. If you were lucky enough to know Ron, you know he was larger than life. His love for his family, local business and education in the culinary arts showed in all that he did. He always wanted to help others, give his advice and get a great deal.
At the age of nine, his family moved to NYC to seek future opportunities. Ron attended the Food Trades Vocational High School and graduated with honors in 1961. After graduation, Ron worked at numerous prestigious restaurants throughout NYC first starting as apprentice then working his way to Sous Chef, Chef and Executive Chef.
In 1985, Ron became business partners of Razzberry Restaurant in Elmsford, NY. Soon after, the business was rebranded to Antun’s of Westchester, a full-service caterer. Ron became sole owner in 1996 and in 2002, he welcomed his son, Richard, into the business. This was one of his proudest moments as he was able to share his passion and legacy with his son. They continued to provide exceptional catering as well as the famous Antun’s Sunday Brunch, until the business closed in 2012.
Ron was an active member of the NYS Restaurant Association (NYSRA), LI Culinary Association, the NY Guild of Chefs, the Vatel Club and the Chef de Cuisine Association of America. He was the NYSRA Chairman of the Board representing the entire NY State in 1996 and 1997, was Chapter President in 1993, 1994 and 1999, was an active long-term Board Member and was honored as the Chapter Restaurateur of the Year in 2000. He was also presented with the Award of Special Recognition for Dedicated Service in the Food Service Industry in 1997 by the National Restaurant Association and presented the prestigious Raymond Vaudard Medal of Excellence from the Chefs de Cuisine Association for his outstanding contribution as a Chef and Culinarian. Ron’s finest award was his Gold Medal at the Culinary Olympics in Frankfurt, Germany in 1980 representing the USA.
For close to 20 years, Ron was a leader in the Business Council of Westchester. His passion for business growth, especially small business, helped fuel the success of the Westchester economy. He served as Vice Chair for Small Business and launched countless initiatives that are still active today. Ron chaired the Business Council’s Business Hall of Fame and was integral in designing the plaque that is prominently displayed at the County airport. A passionate defender of Business on the County, State and National level, Ron never missed an opportunity to advocate for good public policy that promoted business and economic opportunity. His passion extended to working with young people and training them in the culinary arts while instilling in them his sense of pride and perfectionism within the service industry.
Ron leaves behind two sons and their wives, Richard and Jennifer of Yorktown Heights and Ronald Jr. and Margaret Ann of Commack and four beautiful and loved grandchildren Brayden, Iyla, Jessalyn and Briella.
