Ronald Vilardi Sr., 85, of Rumson, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026. He was born to the late Johanna Rich and John Vilardi. He was predeceased by his parents, his stepfather, Frank Rich, and his brother, John W. Vilardi.
Ron enjoyed a long and dedicated career, working for many years at the Lipton Tea Company before continuing his professional life at GFI Finance in New York City.
A proud Life Member of the Oceanic Hook & Ladder Fire Company of Rumson, Ron served as President and cherished the camaraderie, friendships, and sense of service that came with being part of the organization.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Joan (Casey) Vilardi, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and devotion. Ron was a devoted father to his three children: Michael Vilardi of North Carolina, Ronald Vilardi Jr. and his wife, Laurette, of Little Silver and Beth Vilardi of North Carolina.
He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Ronald Vilardi III and his wife, Shea; Timothy Vilardi and his wife, Julia; Daniel Vilardi and his fiancé, Darianne; Mary Vilardi; Abigaile Zawacki and her fiancé, Jared; Emily Zawacki; Cari Vilardi; and Ali Vilardi. Ron was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Ava Vilardi, Ronald Vilardi IV, and Skylar Williams.
He is also survived by his brother Robert Vilardi and his wife Alyce of Wappingers Falls, New York, and sister-in-law Kay Vilardi of Little Silver, New Jersey, along with many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family, community, and time spent with those he loved most were at the heart of Ron’s life, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 19, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 20, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, Rumson, followed by interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate.
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