Obituary of Ronald Joseph Wighard
Ronald Joseph Wighard, age 90, of Warren, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at his residence on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Born on May 30, 1934, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to Joseph and Anna Wighard, Ronald spent his early years in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, before the family frequently moved due to his father's career as a traveling salesman. Eventually, they settled in Roselle, New Jersey. Ronald also resided in Elizabeth, New Jersey, North Plainfield for almost 40 years, Mays Landing for 20 years, and Warren, New Jersey, for the past 2 1/2 years.
As a methodist, Ronald had a moral foundation and values that he carried throughout his life.
While in Roselle, Ronald attended Abraham Clark High School, graduating with the class of 1952. Shortly after graduation, Ronald took a position with Weston Instruments but found his true calling when he enlisted in the United States Air Force on September 2, 1952. His military journey began at Sampson Air Force Base in Ovid, New York, followed by technical school in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he specialized in typing coded messages. During his time in the Air Force, Ronald's service continued in the communication sector at Fort Myer in the Washington, DC area, and he later served at Andrews Air Force Base. His military career also took him overseas to the Philippines for 18 months, a period he fondly remembered as a significant and fulfilling part of his life. He returned to Andrews Air Force Base, where he completed his service and was honorably discharged on September 1, 1956, with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Ronald reflected on his time in the military as a profoundly positive and enriching experience.
After returning from the United States Air Force, Ronald resumed his career at Weston Instruments, where he demonstrated his expertise as a tool designer. His career path led him to prominent positions at Lockheed Martin and RCA. He also worked for Microtube, a well-regarded metal tubing manufacturer. Ronald's professional life was marked by his dedication and precision in tool design.
In March 1960, Ronald went on a blind date with Brenda Rose, attending a Rutgers basketball game with friends. They immediately hit it off and were married on September 2, 1961, in Keyport, New Jersey. Their union marked the beginning of a beautiful family and a life filled with love and dedication. Ronald's unwavering support and affection for Brenda were evident in every aspect of their lives, from raising their children to enjoying quiet evenings together. Their bond grew stronger with each passing year, creating a lasting legacy of love and commitment.
Family vacations were a cherished part of Ronald's life. When his children were young, they often visited Chincoteague, Virginia. Later in life, Ronald and his family enjoyed big family vacations to the Outer Banks, a Disney cruise, Stone Harbor, New Jersey, Lake Norman, Arizona, and Chesapeake Bay. Ronald and Brenda also treasured their trips to Alaska and Hawaii, where they spent quality time together, creating lasting memories just for the two of them
Ronald was an avid New York Giants fan and, despite residing in New Jersey for most of his life, a Boston Red Sox fan because of his admiration for Ted Williams. He respected Williams not only as a great baseball player but also for his dedication to serving his country, even at the peak of his career. Ronald enjoyed playing softball, a passion he pursued while in the Air Force in the Philippines, and was active in a bowling league. Additionally, he loved playing cards, especially Pinochle and Euchre, and enjoyed bingo. Ronald also found joy in playing trivia at Brightview, excelling in the history questions.
Ronald was a dedicated and involved father who consistently made it a priority to attend his children's events, providing unwavering support and encouragement. As a loving husband and a great dad, he formed the cornerstone of his family's strength and unity. His role as a devoted grandfather was particularly dear to him; he frequently attended his grandchildren's activities and cherished every moment spent with them. Above all, his greatest love was being surrounded by his family, with his grandchildren holding a special place in his heart.
Ronald is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Wighard; his three children, Sue Chadwick and her husband, Ken, Kim Gray and her husband, Steve, and Keith Wighard and his wife, Lori; and seven grandchildren, Josh Gray, Kelly Anderson and her husband, T.J., Karlie Chadwick, Abby Wighard, Kelton Chadwick, Katie Wighard, and Lia Wighard. He was predeceased by his sister, Joanne Heitmann.
A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a 2:30 p.m. family and military tribute at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069.
A visitation will be held at Higgins Home for Funerals in Watchung, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project in Ronald's memory. Ronald's legacy of love, dedication, and commitment to his family will be cherished forever.
