Obituary of Richard J. Ronchetta

Richard J. Ronchetta of Hopatcong, NJ passed away peacefully on Friday, September 20, 2024.  He was 82 years old.  Richard was born on December 26, 1941 in Jersey City, NJ to the late Joseph Ronchetta and the late Leona (Canestrari) Ronchetta. 

Richard was a Firefighter with the City of Englewood, NJ for 27 years where he attained the rank of Lieutenant. He proudly served his country in the United States Army.  Richard was an avid New York Yankees, Giants, and Rangers fan. He also enjoyed golfing and taught his wife, Judith, how to play. He was the President of the Hopatcong Little League Association for many years. Richard was dedicated to the League and started the Little League Carnival. Richard was a very generous man who donated his time coaching and umpiring Hopatcong Little League Sports for several years. He enjoyed cruising and taking family vacations. Richard and Judith visited many countries all over the world. Most importantly, Richard loved spending time with his large and loving family. Richard adored being with his grandchildren and could often be found on the sidelines of their sporting events. Richard was a legend amongst his family for his famous “Gravy and Meatballs” every Christmas. His grandchildren fondly remember family vacations where Richard could be seen behind the griddle cooking chocolate chip pancakes, eggs, and bacon. 

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Judith (nee Hickey), his devoted children, Susan Rodriguez and her husband, Frank (predeceased), Joanne Raso, Christine Holmes and her husband, Stephen, Karen Ronchetta, and Richard J. Ronchetta II.   Additional survivors include his cherished grandchildren, Samantha and Matthew Rodriguez, Nicole and Stephen Holmes, Tyler and Victoria Raso, and Alexandra and Joseph Ronchetta.  

Richard’s Life Celebration Services will include a visitation on Wednesday, September 25^th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm with a Catholic Prayer Service offered at 7:30 pm at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ 07850. 

For memorial donations, please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org