Ronald Mansfelt Joseph Sr. was born on Jan. 26, 1939, on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to Arthur Wellesley Joseph and Dassilda Laurentina Marsh. He was the second youngest of seven siblings, four brothers, Ernest “Leonard” Joseph, David Joseph, Ray Joseph, Ira Scatliffe, and two sisters, Grace Joseph and Joan “Avie” Edwards.
Ronald was married to Phyllis Joseph and had one son, Ronald Mansfelt Joseph Jr. He married Yvonne Joseph who preceded him in death. They had two children: Russell Elphege Joseph and Rhys Arthur Joseph. He passed away peacefully at his home with his life partner, Arlene Moses, on Aug. 12.
Ronnie spent his childhood years in Coral Bay, St. John and graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School, Class of ’56. He graduated from Howard University in Washington D.C. with a degree in electrical engineering. After graduation, he began work at the United States Naval Services. He later received his MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Ronnie had a love for computers, whether installing, programming or teaching people about them. After working at the V.I. Budget Office, he took a position as director of information technology at the University of the Virgin Islands (formerly the College of the Virgin Islands). In addition to automating the college’s first computer systems, Ronald was instrumental in teaching many students and colleagues about the new wave of the computer generation in the Virgin Islands.
After leaving college, he continued his computer work at the Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands, from which he retired. Even though “retired,” Ronald found his way back into the classroom where he taught computers to more Virgin Islands’ youth at All Saints Cathedral School.
Throughout his entire life, Ronnie especially enjoyed his community and charitable involvement with the Lion’s Club, The Nisky Moravian Church, The Virgin Island’s Chapter of the Howard University Alumni Association, the Caribbean Carole and his longtime involvement with his Carnival troupe the Raunchy Bunch.
Ronnie is survived by his children: Ronald Jr., Russell and Rhys; grandchildren: Ronald Matthew, Taylor, Marina and Kiera Joseph; sister, “Avie;” brother Ira; nephews: Ronald Garvin Joseph and Paul Joseph; nieces: Lynn Plaskett, Beverly Dangerville and Kimberly Joseph; cousins and lifelong friends: Orville Kean, Linette Joseph, Courtney Joseph, Joyce Lebron and Celia McAvoy. Special recognition to the Marsh family on St. John and his China Man Clan family throughout the Virgin Islands. He will truly be loved and missed.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a first viewing from 5-7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 1, at Celestial Chapel of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals. A second viewing to be held at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 2, at the Nisky Moravian Church.
Arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.
For online condolences or to share a special memory, visit our website at www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com
