Ronald D. Del Balso

Ronald D. Del Balso age 93, entered heaven on July 8th, 2024, at home in Wayne, NJ surrounded by his loving family. Ron was born in McAdoo, PA to Michael and Estella Del Balso. He graduated from McAdoo High School Class of 1949. Through the years Ron and his wife Irene have lived with his wife’s brother Johnny in the apartments on Valley Road in Wayne, then in their own apartment in Hawthorne. They later purchased a house in Ramsey where they lived from 1959-1965 before settling in Wayne at their current home.

He served in the Navy from 1949-1953 on two battleships: the USS Rochester and the USS Missouri.

Ron’s first job was a paperboy in McAdoo, he also picked blueberries during the summer. When picking blueberries, a pickup truck would pick him up at 5am and he would pick until 1pm. The pickers were paid between 2 cents and 14 cents per pint. He pumped gas at the local SPUR Gas Station in Tamaqua, PA when gasoline was 16 cents per gallon. His wife, and high school sweetheart Irene, got him a job working in for the State of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg making copies. Once the young couple moved to New Jersey, Ron who often worked several jobs at a time, worked at the Western Biscuit Company in Passaic night shift loading trucks, and Berles Carton on 5th Avenue in Paterson as assistant shipping manager for 5 or 6 years. He also served as an Auxiliary Police Officer, while living in Ramsey.

Ron met the love of his life Irene Stecina, in the 10th grade at the McAdoo High School. They officially began dating when Ron saw Irene at a party. Irene had been taken to the party as another man’s date, but Ron stepped in and told the gentleman: “I’m taking her home.” They dated from that night for several years. When it came time, Ron’s proposal consisted of him saying they were going to get married, Irene accepted. Ron then approached her father to ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage. They Married on July 21, 1951, at St Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in McAdoo Pa. Their honeymoon got off to a rocky start as they tried to book a room at a hotel in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. They were not allowed to book the room as they didn’t have their Wedding License. Ron’s Brother Joe “Dody” came to the rescue and drove the Marriage License out to them. After one night in Pennsylvania, they went on to honeymoon in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Their 73 years marriage was blessed with eight children and the constant tradition of holding each other’s hands.

While working at Berles Carton Ron saw a new company, Gilton Manufacturing, opening across the street so he went in and applied for a job. When being interviewed Ron told the owner, Norman Serota, that he was a very serious person. If you told him to be there at 8am he would be there at 8… no excuses. The boss liked Ron’s attitude and gave him the job. Ron took over the assembly and woodworking departments. The Company made children’s furniture, through its closing in 1978. Then he helped liquidate all the machinery and equipment. At the same time, he worked a second job operating a machine that dyed fabric, from midnight until 7am. Somehow, while doing all of this, Ron attended night school at Farleigh Dickenson University to earn a degree in Shipping, Receiving and Transport. In 1970 he learned about an opportunity in New York where a 16-yard capacity garbage truck was for sale and decided to buy it. Mr. Serota helped finance the purchase and Ron paid it off over time. Ron came home with the truck and founded Dell & Sons Garbage Disposal Company in Paterson. The family ran the company until about 1980. From 1978 until 1980 Ron also worked for Hunter Douglas opening a new plant in Clifton and a warehouse in Totowa. After which Ron started Wayne Dinette’s on Route 23 in Wayne. Eventually moving the location to Route 46 West in Little Falls where the family continued operating the furniture store through 2023.

Through the years Ron has enjoyed all kinds of sports including bowling, softball, and golf. He shot the 1st hole- in- one in the history of the Wayne Nine-hole Golf League in 2013. For many years he was a member of the Wayne Elks Lodge #2181. Ron moved through the ranks at the Elks Lodge and served as Grand Exalted Ruler in 1982.  Some of his many accomplishments while in office were the gazebo pavilion, building the parade floats for the Wildwood Conventions, the Elk on the Roof and, dearest to his heart, helping the Children at Camp Moore. He also served as State District Deputy and worked on the Convention Committee for 24 years.

Ron was a devout Catholic and served as choir member, bingo caller, and carnival worker. Ron and Irene decorated and chaired for dances and volunteered for many other Our Lady of the Valley functions. Ron was a New York Giant’s fanatic and an avid drummer with a crazy sense of humor.

Ron had talent, charisma, and charm, but it was his quick wit that made him irresistible. Ron and Irene welcomed everyone into their home. His unwavering support and generosity will be remembered and cherished by everyone that met him.

Ronald was the loving husband of Irene (nee)Stecina. They were blessed with 8 children: Ronald Del Balso Jr. & wife Jill, Beverly Jerger & husband Richie, Lois Van Lenten & husband Jack, Michael Del Balso & wife Mary, George Del Balso, Danny Del Balso & wife Nancy, Jan Lewinsohn & husband Larry, Alison Del Balso.

Ron was the cherished grandfather of: David Van Lenten & wife Kathryn, Michael Van Lenten & wife Gabriela, Matthew Lewinsohn & Kaitlyn, Shawn Van Lenten, Michelle Lewinsohn, Devyn Del Balso & Erich, Connor Del Balso & Brianna, Kyle Del Balso, Tyler Andreas, Ryan Tighe, Jake Andreas, Robbie Tighe, Shannon Tighe, Arthur Newcombe & wife Carla, Joey Newcombe, Dustin Newcombe & wife Naizsha, Rick Jerger (deceased) & wife Terri, Tammy Fabela & husband Jammie, Eddie Horn & wife Heather, Arron Poole, Athan Santa Cruz, Andreas Santa Cruz.

He was the devoted great grandfather to: Madison Van Lenten, Mae Van Lenten, Kristian Van Lenten, Lily Van Lenten, Declan Van Lenten, Penelope Newcombe, Lucianna Newcombe, August Newcombe, Rick Jerger & Gabby, Scottie Bosma & wife Jackie, Shane Bosma & wife Caitlyn, Trever Fabela, Jammie Fabela & wife Brianne, Noah Olm, Ethan Horn, Alexander Cengi.

And the adored Great Great Grandfather of: Holten Bosma, Trent Bosma, Dayton Reilly, Paisley Fabela, Zayne Fabela. Loving brother of:  Joanne Schaefer, late husband Bob, late Donald Del Balso, late Joseph Del Balso, and wife Joan.

He taught us all that “family always comes first”. Ron’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all that were fortunate enough to know him. Ron’s legacy is one of love, strength, laughter, and joy.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated.