Ronald Mark Califre

Rather than continue to watch the useless activities of a dysfunctional government, Ron (Ronnie) Califre passed into eternal rest on May 20, 2023, albeit reluctantly, after a 2.5 year battle with cancer.

The loving son of Italian immigrants, Peter and Claire Califre, Ron grew up in Paterson, NJ and remained fiercely proud of his Paterson “roots” throughout his life. Ron was a graduate of Montclair State College, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Biological Science and a Doctor of Science (hc) from the institution—where he remained active in an advisory capacity.

He started his professional career with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and later transitioned into pharmaceutical research and development. He then worked 30 years for the Swiss-based innovator, Novartis, and its predecessor companies, in positions of increasing responsibility.  Among other roles, he functioned as Head, Sr. V.P, Medicine and Clinical Development and ultimately retired as Sr. V.P., Research and Development, U.S. Operations, where he had oversight for the multi-disciplinary new drug development activities of over 2000 highly-skilled employees. He was proud of his work, but even more proud of the people he worked with and the innovative therapies that they brought to patients.

While at the FDA, he met his loving wife of 38 years, Marcy, and embarked on a life and adventure that he never dreamed of as a young kid in Paterson. He was a devoted husband and the extremely proud, loving father of Evan and Gabrielle Califre and father-in-law to her husband, Brendan Boerbaitz.  Ron was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Frank, as well as many aunts and uncles, but leaves behind a large, loving family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and brothers and sisters in-law, as well as what he could only describe as the best friends anyone could ever have—bar none. 

He traveled extensively, internationally and domestically, in both his professional and personal life and left feeling like he’d had a fulfilling life. He had read once that “you get one spin” and by his own admission, he crammed a lot of living into his years—perhaps to a fault. LOL. A life-long nature and animal lover, he favored the outdoors—hiking, biking, fishing and golfing. Ron was also skilled at art, another interest and hobby, and had a number of scientific illustrations published. 

He was a “foodie” at heart and took great pleasure in cooking for friends and family—an activity that served as the platform for consuming copious amounts of red wine—another favorite pastime.  Following his retirement, Ron and Marcy split time between homes in Pines Lake and Long Beach Island—the latter enjoying a special place in his heart. He loved meeting and talking to people and was never a stranger to anyone for very long. Not big on material things, he left this world viewing his family, friendships, relationships and experiences as the greatest gifts anyone could have ever bestowed upon him.

In his words, “it was a good run” and in reflecting on his own life at the end, counseled folks with a quote from Dr. Seuss: “don’t cry that it’s over; smile that it happened.”

Thanks to all, including his physicians and the staff at Valley Medical Group, Atlantic Health, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, for their expertise, compassion and care. 

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Ron’s name are asked to consider donating to the National Leiomyosarcoma Foundation (NLMSF) or to the Laurelwood Arboretum in Wayne, NJ.