Ronald Christopher passed away on the morning of Sunday, October 29 after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 79 years old.
Ron was the cherished son of the late John and Diana Christopher. He was a beloved father to Donna Marie Wadiak (Brian), Devin Christopher (Justin Sanit), Jessica Christopher (Stephen Kunkle) and the late Richard Christopher. He was a loving grandfather to his grandson Anthony Wadiak, and a dear brother of John "Sonny" Christopher (Barbara), Robert Christopher (Joanne), and Jerry Christopher (Mary Rose). Ron was the adored partner of Liz Hatoski and formed a close bond with her daughter Samantha. He was a loving uncle to his nieces and nephews and maintained a strong friendship with his second wife Jamie Krakow.
Ron was born on August 19, 1944 in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended Bartram High School before becoming a proud paratrooper of the 82nd Airborne. Following his discharge from the Army, Ron had a successful career as a Private Investigator, owning his own private detective agency.
Ron is remembered as an adrenaline junky during his younger years, known for his love of jumping out of airplanes as a paratrooper and a recreational skydiver, flying around North America as a private pilot, and cruising across beautiful landscapes on his motorcycle. More recently, Ron was described as a simple guy who lived modestly. He appreciated the little things – finding joy in all of life's smallest moments – like donuts, sunrises on the boardwalk, spending days cooking his mother's famous pasta and gravy, and long conversations filled with laughter with family, friends, and his love. Everyone that knew him loved him for his easy-going nature, constant humor, magic tricks, and even his competitive edge. He had a love of cards and games – and spent many hours with friends playing poker, rummy 500, and hour-long games of Risk. Until the very end, Ron had an unmatchable zest for life and a deep love for his family. The final days before he passed, he had the great honor to give away in marriage his daughter Devin in a private ceremony.
Relatives and friends of Ron and his loved ones are invited to his memorial service on Thursday, November 2, 2023, beginning at 11:30 AM at Wimberg Funeral Home in
Galloway, NJ (211 E. Great Creek Road,
Galloway, NJ 07205). Following the 11:30 AM memorial gathering, there will be a funeral service at 1 PM at the same location. Following, friends and family are invited to a reception and celebration of a life-well-lived.
Ron will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of great love, kindness, humor, and care that will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donation to be made to either the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or
St. Jude's Children Research Hospital.
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: http://support.pancan.org/goto/Ron_Christopher
St. Jude: http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/Ron_Christopher
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald, please visit our floral store.