Obituary of Ronald John Slahetka

Ronald John Slahetka passed away on December 23, 2024 at the age of 83, after a brave battle with cancer.

Born and raised in Middlesex, NJ, Ron went to Bound Brook High School, where he met his wife, Sue. In high school, Ron was tackle on the football team, and he ran track.

Ron played the clarinet as a younger man. The family likes to recount the story of Ron calling Sue and other family members dead dogs outside a club in Elizabeth, NJ at 2:00 a.m. one morning in 1970, when they rebuffed his efforts to return to the club to jam with the band. Later in life, Ron picked up the guitar, and he occasionally jammed at home with his friends and brother, Bob.

Ron earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Rutgers and an MBA at Seton Hall University. In 1990, he earned a certificate from Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. He also served in the National Guard. Ron’s career focused on manufacturing. After a 23-year career at Xerox, he moved on to other manufacturing positions at Allied Signal, Honeywell, and Perkin Elmer, followed by consulting stints with Goldman Sachs and Carlyle Capital. Ron also served as Industry Co-Director at MIT’s Leaders for Global Operations program from 2005 through 2008.

Ron and Sue married on July 4, 1964. They lived in Akron, OH and Pluckemin, NJ before moving to Rochester, NY, where they raised their two children. After some years in Boston, Ron and Sue returned to New Jersey, residing in Mendham for the past 26 years. Ron and Sue also lived part-time in Vineyard Haven, MA.

Ron was an avid car guy. He restored (with significant help) a 1957 Thunderbird and a 1964 Porsche 356. He loved attending car shows and mingling with like-minded folk. As an adult Ron learned to sail, and during his years in Rochester he could be found sailing on Canandaigua Lake every summer. He enjoyed walking the harbors of Martha’s Vineyard asking what he jokingly called “stupid boat questions.” He also collected antique clocks, which kept the house noisy, when they were wound.

Ron’s athleticism continued throughout his life. He loved alpine skiing and running, having completed several marathons. In recent years, he took daily long walks. He and Sue developed a close-knit group of dear friends from their gym.

Ron was known for his generosity, optimism, kindness, and an ability to easily connect with others. He was quick to make a joke, with an infectious laugh. He was always smiling, and he put everyone at ease. Above all, he loved spending time with family.

Throughout his life, Ron donated his time and skills to others. Most recently, he served as president of the Mendham Golf and Tennis Club. He also served as president of the Arc of Somerset County. Earlier, he was on the boards of Rochester General Hospital and Rochester Business Opportunities Corp. He also spent many years managing his son’s soccer teams.

Ron is survived by Susan, his wife of 60 years; his children, Nancy and Jack; his four granddaughters, Maddie, Katie and Lucia Hughes and Sadie Slahetka (who know him as Pop Pop or Poppy); his brother Bob; and his sister Judy Stoll.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to the Morristown Medical Center, 100 Madison Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960, the Arc of Somerset County, 141 South Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835, or to your favorite charity.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 28th from 11am-2pm at Bailey Funeral Home, 8 Hilltop Road, Mendham, NJ. Interment will follow at Mendham Hilltop Cemetery.