Ronald Owen Karlin

Ronald Owen Karlin, 83, passed away November 17, 2020, surrounded by his family. He was born in Brooklyn on June 2, 1937, to Abraham "Torchy" and Leah.

Ron graduated from Brooklyn College and served in the army as a morse code instructor. But it was a classified ad that read “Job Pays Fee” that set him on his career path in consumer finance. Ron was an early innovator in the credit card industry, helping craft worldwide security standards, card member terms and merchant responsibilities. He retired from Mastercard decades later as a highly respected senior vice president in a company he helped build from the ground up.

Ron loved his family. They completed him, and his happiest moments were spent with them. He loved to crack jokes and impart wisdom to anyone who asked (or didn’t).

Ron was a loyal sports fan. He first loved the Brooklyn Dodgers, but he later came to cheer for the Jets, Mets, Jaguars, Gators and UCF Knights. Ron used to joke that he wanted “Jets and Mets, I could wait no longer” inscribed on his headstone. He also stayed true to his political views and values -- even if it meant sequestering himself to his “Dodger Room” during campaign season.

Ron joins his first wife, Arlene, and his parents, Abraham and Leah. He is survived by his loving wife Phyllis, his sister Ellen (Rick), his children Wendy (James), Debbie (Eddy), Eric (Andrea), Melissa, Abbe (Corey), and Greg (Katie). His grandchildren Andrew (Leigh Ella), David (Kelly), Lori, Kelly (Ryan), Matthew, Harper and Josie. His great-grandchildren Charlotte, Harvey, Walter, Carson, Luke and Vivi Rose. His uncle, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Ron will be sorely missed and remembered for generations.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ron’s honor to Temple Israel:

2328 Citadel Way

Suite 103, Box 222

Melbourne, Florida 32940