Ronald J Stokes

Ronald Joseph Stokes of Roselle, NJ, the eldest son of Joseph and Thelma Stokes entered into eternal rest on February 15, 2022 at home. Born in East Orange, he lived there before moving to Roselle, NJ in 1985 where he remained until his death. Ronald retired as a Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) from the Army and worked for BASF Chemical Company before moving to Exxonmobil where he served as a Hazardous Material Transport Advisor until retirement in 2011. Ron was a very proud veteran and supported many causes that were pro veterans and various cancer funds. Graduating with honors from Rutgers University in 1983, LTC Stokes had a BS Degree in Management. While he was retired from both companies, he still performed Hazardous Materials Transport training and consulting for his own LLC until 2018. During his employment with BASF and Exxonmobil he was a member (12 yrs) of the Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) for the US Coast Guard. He was also a member of the 1st Calvary Division Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America and was an active member of VFW Post 7923 of East Orange. Ron is survived by his wife of thirty six years, Bertha (nee Peters), son Brian from his first marriage to Elizabeth Stokes (nee Wilson), step daughters: Kimberly Lewis (husband James) and Kristi Hendrix (husband Kareem), his brothers Douglas R., Jeffrey B., Andrew N. and sister Karen D. and grandchildren; Leyla, Niyah, Tracy, Lauren, Odi and Miles and greatgrandchildren Maddox and Zuri and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He also remained a life-long friend of J. David Branch and his family. Ron was predeceased by his brothers Paul K. and Leon A. Stokes. Visitation will be Monday, February 21 from 10:00AM until 12:00PM at the Union Funeral Home-Lytwyn & Grillo, 1600 Stuyvesant Ave, Union, NJ 07083. Services and entombment will follow at Hollywood Memorial Park, 1500 Stuyvesant Ave, Union, NJ In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ronald's memory would be appreciated to: Barnabas Health Home Care & Hospice 95 Old Short Hills Road West Orange, NJ 07052 888-724-7123 www.rwjbh.org Go to the Tribute Wall for a link to watch the service over Zoom beginning at 12:15PM.