Ronald K. DeBoer, 74, of Bayville, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on November 18, 2022. Born and raised in the Washington Heights section of New York City, he could often be found playing stickball or having a world famous New York City egg cream on 177th Street. At age 19, Ron proudly enlisted and served his country in the US Army as an Infantry Combat Soldier during the Vietnam War. Among many awards received, Ron was most proud to have earned the Combat Infantry Badge. He was especially proud to be a member of the 7th/17th Air Cavalry, the Ruthless Riders. After the war Ron became an activist for victims of Agent Orange, having many articles written about his own battle with the effects of it and appeared on multiple local TV shows advocating for victims rights. Ron was employed by Con Ed for 22 years before making the move to becoming a partner at JP&R Advertising Agency. As Vice President and Managing Partner, Ron grew the company to the largest legal advertising firm in New York state. Later in life Ron moved to New Jersey and raised his family in Freehold before retiring to Bayville 15 years ago. In retirement, Ron became an author and essay writer. His stories can be found on-line in a multitude of forums and always received thousands of views and comments. His novel The Freeze was published in 2017. Ron also enjoyed surf casting, fulfilling his life dream of living on the water, helping others, attending services at Christ Episcopal Church in Toms River, and having a Crown Royal with his friends.
Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Helena (Helen), two children, Jeneen Ryan and her husband James and Jason DeBoer; also his granddaughter Sidney and his two nephews Christopher and TJ and his niece Annya.
A Memorial Gathering for family and friends will be offered on Monday, November 28th, from 4pm to 7pm at the Mastapeter Memorial Home, 270 Atlantic City Blvd., Bayville. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Christ Episcopal Church, 415 Washington St, Toms River, NJ 08753 at 11:30 am on Tuesday, November 29th. In lieu of flowers, the family asks a donation in Ron’s memory be made to one of his favorite charities: St. Jude Children’s Hospital (stjude.org) or Tunnels to Towers Foundation (https://www.t2t.org/)
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