CNBNews

Ronald, “Ron,” Joseph Pritchett, 80, of Williamstown, NJ, died peacefully on July 10, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was a devoted dad, fun-loving pop-pop, cherished brother, loyal friend to many and all-around legend. Born on January 15, 1944 to Dorothy and Frank Pritchett in Camden, NJ, Ron spent his early years growing up in Collingswood, NJ. He graduated from Collingswood H.S. before earning his teaching degree from Rutgers University. He went on to earn a Master’s degree from Glassboro State College and a Doctorate of Education from Nova Southeastern University. 

Ron Pritchett

Ron spent his entire professional career at Gloucester City High School, the majority of which as principal. He began teaching science before taking on the position of assistant principal and then principal in 1982. Dr. Pritchett was respected and loved by generations of families who came through the doors of Gloucester City High. The Gloucester City community was such an important part of his life that he continued to serve as a member of the Gloucester City Rotary Club long after he retired. He attended weekly meetings and served as treasurer of the Gloucester City-Brooklawn Rotary Club up until his death. His involvement in Rotary spanned 42 active years and included two terms as president.

Ron collected, restored and drove classic cars and was a longtime member of the Original Garden State Corvette Club, where he earned many trophies and awards for his cars. Always wanting to share his interests with others, Ron also volunteered as a fishing instructor for childhood cancer patients at Camp Happy Times.

Never satisfied with sitting still, Ron was not the typical retiree or 80-year-old. He was always full of life and energy and most people were surprised to learn his age! He often turned heads slicing through the Mullica River or Little Egg Harbor slalom-skiing. Even up until his last days, he could be found working out at the gym, on his boat fishing at the shore, playing in ping pong tournaments with his friends, water-skiing, working on his classic cars, attending Corvette Club meetings and car shows, cheering on the Phillies and tinkering in his garage or fixing anything that needed to be fixed. He was everyone’s handyman. If anyone could fix it, Ron usually could, or he would spend hours trying. He loved helping people and working on projects. Always the scientist, he was interested in how things worked. 

Ron’s “second home” throughout his life was in Holgate, Long Beach Island, NJ, where his parents built a home in the early ‘60’s. He spent his childhood on the beach with his siblings, driving boats, fishing and working summer jobs at the local Acme. He later brought his own family to LBI and continued to share his happy place with his family, where they enjoyed many good times boating, water-skiing, fishing, crabbing, body surfing, grilling, biking and playing competitive card games, especially 31. Everyone in Holgate knew Ron and Ron loved spending time there with family and friends.

Those who knew Ron, also knew that he lived each day to its fullest, rarely sitting down, but always taking time to talk to or help a friend. He put love, energy and passion into everything he did. He had numerous hobbies and interests that filled his time and calendar but, above all, he made sure his family came first. He was a caring dad and a devoted pop-pop, who cheered on his grandchildren’s sports, came to their dance recitals and music performances, helped with difficult schoolwork, worked on their cars and lent a helping hand with scout projects. His six grandchildren were his pride and joy, sharing his love of ping pong, boating, dancing and Philly sports. Each one of his grandchildren were truly lucky to get to spend so much time with their pop-pop on a regular basis. 

Ron will be dearly missed but certainly not forgotten by all who loved him. He is survived by his children Lorie Lavinson (Geoff), Carolyn Robinson (Mark), Ronald Pritchett (Robin), grandchildren Olivia, Alex, Ethan, Laurel, Alicia and Elizabeth, his sister Carolyn Burke (Steve), his partner Carol Ruggierio, several nieces, nephews and cousins, four step-sons and countless close friends, many of whom were like family to him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Wayne, and his loyal dog, Cody. 

Visitation for family and friends will be on July 22 at McCann - Healey Funeral Home: 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Funeral services and Interment will be private. 

Ron’s family invites you to gather, share stories and celebrate his life at his beloved Gloucester City High School: 1300 Market Street, Gloucester City, NJ  08030 on Saturday, August 17, 2024 from 4 pm to 6 pm.

If you are interested in receiving information on Ron’s Celebration of Life gathering, please email [email protected]

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ronald J. Pritchett Memorial Scholarship ℅ Gloucester City High School, 1300 Market Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Attn: Roxanne Reinhart.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Ronald Joseph Pritchett. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home: 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ  08030.  Ph: 856 - 456 - 1142