Obituary of Ronald J. Cieplik

Ronald J. Cieplik passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026 at St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville. He had shared 87 years of priceless wisdom, unconditional love, infectious laughter, and unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Born and raised in Nanticoke, PA to the late Lottie and Joseph Cieplik, Ronald was one of two children to bless their household. He proudly served our country in the US Army National Guard. He graduated from Greater Nanticoke Area Senior High School in 1958. Ronald was brilliant; he went on to earn his AS from Penn State University and his BA and MA from Fairleigh Dickinson University, all in Engineering. He landed a prestigious career working with Addressograph-Multigraph and Varityper Corporation. Ronald was the head of the team that created the first ever laser printer. He was unmatched intellectually. After many inventions, much success, and stress, Ronald made a career change. He began working at County College of Morris as the Engineering Professor. He thrived in his new position, educating and changing lives for the better. He officially retired after 30 years of dedicated service. He was so loved at the college that they actually named the baseball team, Ron’s Raiders!

Ronald married the love of his life and his best friend, Beverly Traher, on August 21, 1965. Together they walked on this rollercoaster we call life, hand in hand. The happy couple settled in to Parsippany to raise a family of their own. Above anything else, Ronald was a family man. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his loved ones. He was always tinkering around the house, making improvements. He could do it all; fix anything, build a deck, make a table, make the windowsills larger for plants, created a pond in his yard for koi fish, and so much more. He was truly remarkable. Ronald was also a talented gardener, taking pride in the many vegetables he loved to grow and beautiful flowers for Beverly. He especially loved his cherry tomatoes that he made incredible salsa with.

When it came to his grandchildren, there were no bounds. Ice cream for dinner? Money in your pocket? Watching his grandson bounce on the trampoline with the 12 chickens his parents had? No problem, just our secret. The memories that were made will be remembered and cherished forever.

When he wasn’t making the world a better place, he liked to relax by painting, building and admiring his Lionel model train displays, or watching sports. He loved sports; the Oakland A’s baseball team and Penn State Football were his favorites but he would watch any college sport. He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus.

Ronald was a man of his word. He was kind and generous. He put others happiness before his own, consistently. He wanted everyone in his world to be taken care of and content. He will be sorely missed and forever treasured. Although we are saddened by his passing, we take comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with his parents and sister, Marlene.

His legacy of love and hard work will live on in the hearts of his family, his beloved wife of 60 years, Beverly; his loving daughter, Amie D’Ottavio; his adored grandchildren, Andrew, Jessica, and Sophia; his faithful pups, Charlie and Rosie; and many dear extended family and friends.

 Memorial Donations are being accepted to either the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or to the American Cancer Society. Please add a gesture or share your favorite memory of Ronald here to continue to celebrate his life and let his light shine on.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 10 AM at St. Catherine of Siena RC Church, 10 North Pocono Road, Mountain Lakes, NJ. Please join us in celebrating the life of this incredible man!