Obituary of John S. Ronkowitz

John S. "Rocky" Ronkowitz, 78, of Oxford, New Jersey passed away peacefully on April 12th, 2023. Rocky was born on June 15th, 1944 in Newark, New Jersey to the late Katherine and Stephen Ronkowitz. Rocky grew up in East Orange and Newark and graduated from East Orange High School in 1963. 

Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served his time in the 168th Engineers during the Vietnam War. He started to work for Equipco in 1968 as a heavy construction equipment mechanic and after 36 years, he retired in 2004. Rocky married his sweetheart, Christinna "Penny" Chirichello, in 1968 and were together for 60 years married for 54 years. 

Rocky enjoyed yard work, bowling, and playing cards. He had a life long passion for geology, rocks, and minerals. Rocky was a man of the Catholic faith. He was a member of the VFW in Glen Gardner, New Jersey, the Senior Center, Young at Heart Club of Oxford, NJ, and was also a member of the New Jersey Mineralogical Society. 

His legacy will live on through his family and friends. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Rocky is survived by sons John Jr. and wife Jennifer, Anthony and wife Tammy, Christopher and wife Christina, and Thomas and finacé Kelli. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren, 6 step-granchildren and, 1 great granddaughter. 

A memorial service for Rocky will be held on Saturday April 29th, 2023 from 3pm until 6pm at the Glen Gardner Veterans of Foreign Wars Post located at 179 Main Street, Glen Gardner, New Jersey 08826.