In Memoriam: Longtime Rumsonite, Oceanic Hook & Ladder Fire Co. Lifetime Member, Ron Vilardi Sr., 85

Longtime Rumsonite, Ronald Vilardi Sr., passed away peacefully on Jan. 13. He was 85.

“A proud life member of the Oceanic Hook & Ladder Fire Company of Rumson, Ron served as president and cherished the camaraderie, friendships, and sense of service that came with being part of the organization.

“Ron enjoyed a long and dedicated career, working for many years at the Lipton Tea Company before continuing his professional life at GFI Finance in New York City.

“Family, community, and time spent with those he loved most were at the heart of Ron’s life, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
Loved ones of Ron Vilardi Sr. in his obituary

Born to the late Johanna Rich and John Vilardi, he was predeceased by his parents, his stepfather, Frank Rich, and his brother, John W. Vilardi.

He is survived by: his beloved wife of 64 years, Joan (Casey) Vilardi, “with whom he shared a lifetime of love and devotion;” his three children, to whom he was “a devoted father;” Michael Vilardi, of North Carolina, Ronald Vilardi Jr. and his wife, Laurette, of Little Silver, and Beth Vilardi, of North Carolina; his eight grandchildren, Ronald Vilardi III and his wife, Shea, Timothy Vilardi and his wife, Julia, Daniel Vilardi and his fiancé, Darianne, Mary Vilardi, Abigaile Zawacki and her fiancé, Jared, Emily Zawacki, Cari Vilardi, and Ali Vilardi; his three great-grandchildren, Ava Vilardi, Ronald Vilardi IV, and Scarlet Williams; his brother, Robert Vilardi and wife, Alyce, of Wappingers Falls, NY; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank. A mass of christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, Rumson, followed by interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Middletown. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home