Ronald J. Loper

Ronald John Loper, 82, of Fortescue, NJ, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Inspira Medical Center in Vineland, NJ.

Born in Fortescue, NJ to the late Percy M. Groff and Cora E. Loper, he had been the longest living resident of Fortescue. He was the devoted husband of Judith Loper who preceded him in August of 2023. Ron was a retired truck driver whose passion was traveling and meeting new people. He was the Assistant Chief of Fortescue Fire Company, President of the Downe Township Fire Company, and a member for over 60 years.

In his free time, Ron loved to travel, stop at every local yard sale and flea market, eat at just about every diner on the East Coast, and enjoy the company of family and friends. Over their 6+ decades of marriage, Ron and Judy have taken over 57 cruises. Ron lived for Friday night dinners out with family, and Sundays well spent with his wife, sister, and brother-in-law at their pool, BBQing. He was everyone's friend and the number one person you could always count on. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Ron is now happily reunited with the love of his life, Judy.

He is survived by his nieces Michelle Higbee Sheppard (TJ), Gabrielle Higbee Horseman (Kevin), Donal McCombs (Sean), Shannon Ablett, nephews John Ablett IV and Cliff Higbee Jr. (Hillary), brother-in- law John Ablett (Denny), Denise Chew (Douglas); great nieces and nephews, Landon, Mason, Nate, Clifford 3rd, Savannah, and Thomas; Salahuddin (Saima); and his cat Shadow. He was preceded by his loving wife, Judith Loper, brother Jack Groff, and Sister Darlene Grover, brother-in-law, Don Grover; his cat Licorice; and many other fur babies.

The family would like to extend a thank you to his caregiver for the last few months, Jezer Bentil of Griswold Home Health Care, for the love and support.

Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Friday, March 6th at the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, 1107 State Highway 77, Upper Deerfield Twp. Friends will be received at the funeral home from 9AM to 11AM prior to the services. Interment will take place at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Cedarville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ronald Loper's memory to Mission Teens, PO Box 52, Norma, NJ 08318. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website, www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.