Obituaries

Ronald Lawrence Lotozo, 84, of Little Silver, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026.

Ron was the only son of Ronald and Eleanor Lotozo (née Lawrence). He was the beloved husband of Dale Lotozo (née Forrest) and a devoted father to Lori, Todd, David, and the late Greg. He was a cherished grandfather to Jayne and Jessica (Morgan), and was predeceased by his grandchildren Lee and Jaclyn. He was also a loving great-grandfather to Andrew, Amelia, Benjamin, Ellie, and August. He is survived by his sisters-in-law, Nancy and Marilyn, and was a caring uncle to their children. Ron is now reunited with his beloved companion, his best pal, Buddy. 

Ronald, a gifted performer, artist, and beloved family man, left behind a legacy rich in creativity, humor, and love. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ron’s life was marked by an enduring passion for the arts, a deep devotion to his family, and a remarkable ability to connect with others through storytelling and laughter.

As a young boy, Ron spent cherished summers in Brigantine, sailing the bay and helping his father build their family’s summer home—experiences that shaped his lifelong love of the water and craftsmanship. His talents emerged early; he performed as a soloist on The Horn and Hardart Children’s Hour in Philadelphia and later studied voice under Wilbur Evans. Ron’s love for the stage flourished as he performed in numerous productions with the Theater Guild in Germantown. Notably, his portrayal of Rumpelstiltskin at the Academy of Music was so vivid and intense that he was asked to soften his performance for the sake of the young audience.

It was through the theater that he met the love of his life, his wife Dale, while they were performing together in From A to Z at the Theater in the Round in Fairmount Park—marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership rooted in shared artistic passion and profound love. Together they built a family, raising four children, and Ron took immense pride in his role as a father. Through both joyful and difficult times, his commitment to his family never wavered. He was a steady and devoted presence, guiding and caring for his children with quiet strength. Even in the face of profound loss and hardship, Ron remained resilient, helping his family navigate life’s challenges and always doing what was needed to carry them forward.

That same creative spirit and openness to new opportunities also shaped the course of Ron’s professional life. His talent and ambition led to many meaningful connections, including a life-changing friendship with renowned eye surgeon Charlie Kelman. Through this relationship, Ron’s life took an exciting turn into the field of medical illustration. Under Charlie’s mentorship, his artistic talents flourished in a new medium, and together they earned numerous accolades.

Ron went on to produce educational films for The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, contributing meaningfully to health education. As a freelance medical illustrator, he collaborated with leading eye surgeons and worked on campaigns for major companies including Alcon, Pharmacia, and Microsurgical Instruments, often alongside Larry Laks. His work combined precision, artistry, and innovation, leaving a lasting mark in his field.

In 2024, Ron retired to focus on what mattered most to him—his family and the simple joys of life. He embraced his cherished role as “Pappy” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, delighting in their company and creating memories filled with laughter. Whether sailing, tending to his yard with hose in hand, or recalling one of his unforgettable stories, Ron brought energy and joy to every moment.

Ron will be remembered for his boundless creativity, his hearty laugh, and his wonderfully wild sense of humor. He leaves behind a legacy of love, artistry, and unforgettable stories that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad Street, Red Bank, New Jersey, 07701. In lieu of flowers, tribute gifts may be made in Ron’s name to Hope Christian Services, 700 Mountain Ave, Wyckoff, New Jersey, 07481.