Ronald A Morton Sr.

Ronald Alvin Morton Sr. of Colonia, NJ died August 7, 2023

Ronnie “Motor” Morton Son of Elizabeth and John Morton, loving husband of Betty Tyson Morton, passed away after a short illness at JFK Medical center in Edison, NJ.

Ronnie graduated from Montclair HS it was also in Montclair, at the YMCA, where he met Beatrice “Betty” Tyson. After High School Ronnie entered the Navy where he developed a love for travel. After returning from being stationed in the Pacific Ronnie married Betty on September 7th 1958 and they remained a loving couple for 64 years. Ronnie was a medic in the Navy and used his service training to become a Clinical Laboratory Director in civilian life. He retired as Director of Clinical Laboratories at Jersey Shore Medical Center in 2000.

Ronnie and Betty continued his love for travel after marriage. They loved going on cruises and visiting warm island vacation spots. They also enjoyed entertaining, and all friends and relatives were welcome in the Morton basement. Ronnie loved holidays but his favorite was always Christmas. He couldn’t wait to call and visit with friends and relatives on Christmas day and took great joy in watching children open Christmas gifts. Ronnie would go out of his way to give of himself and greeted everyone that he met with a smile and a hug or firm handshake. He will always be remembered for his kindness, warm smile, and sincerely loving hugs.

Ronnie took great pride in everything he did, each Saturday morning his ritual was to meticulously manicure his lawn an activity he did for as long as he was physically able. He was a proud member and Usher at St. Paul Baptist Church and was famous for maintaining order at his door and area of the church. Ronnie was competitive and loved playing basketball, soccer, softball, tennis and in his later years golf. Although he enjoyed watching almost any sporting event his favorite sport was football. He was a lifelong NY Giants fan, but his favorite football teams were whoever his sons, nephews or grandsons were playing for. He was ever present at Colonia HS where his sons played football, always helping set up tents and concessions the morning of home games and of course being one of the most vocal fans in the crowd. Many can recount the stories of him driving to Silver Spring, Maryland to watch nephew Kurt especially after he anointed himself the teams “good luck charm” and willing them to a district championship. When his grandsons were playing Pop Warner football it was nothing for Pop Pop to jump on a plane for Texas to watch them play and of course be the loudest voice in the stands.

Ronald Sr. is predeceased by brother Jhon Morton and sister Geraldine Woods. He is survived by his wife Betty, daughter Michelle, and sons Ronald Jr (Linda) and Jeffrey (Maria). He is also survived by three grandchildren, Ronald III (Deja), Dylan (Jennifer), and Jeffrey, sisters Janet, Delores, Barbara, and Gloria. many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. He will be greatly missed by family, relatives and friends.

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