Ronald B. Grunstra of Ocean City, NJ died peacefully on December 28, 2020 from complications of Covid 19. Ron was born on May 23, 1936 in Clifton, NJ where he attended Clifton High School graduating in 1954.
After high school Ron enlisted in the Air Force where he was stationed in Guam. He used the GI Bill after his honorable discharge to pursue a Bachelor Degree in Education from William Paterson University and a Master’s Degree from Seton Hall University.
Ron taught English and History at Parsippany High School where he coached baseball and football, and was a coach of a Women’s Softball Team, The Budweiser Belles. He then went on to be assistant principal at Parsippany Hills High School.
When Absegami High School in Galloway, NJ needed a principal, Ron immersed himself in running Absegami High School and building a new school.
Ron is survived by his wife of 36 years, Midge, 2 stepsons Dean Skeels (Charisse) and Dave Skeels (Sue),as well as 4 grandchildren, Dan, Jack, Rob, and Sarah Skeels and a sister Joan Zeis in Arizona.
After Ron’s retirement from education, he embarked on a second career in Real Estate in Ocean City. It was not long before he was managing a large office and when Goldcoast Sotheby’s International Realty was in the planning stages, Ron was there.
He served as President of the Ocean City Board of Realtors and was named Realtor of the Year for his unwavering leadership and service to the association. He was an active Rotarian, serving as president of the Ocean City Rotary Club.
He was also an active volunteer at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point. Ron was an avid golfer and a member of Great Bay Country Club for 39 years.
During this past year, Ron’s love of the game paid off when he shot his age of “84”, and had a hole in one which was one of 3 during his golfing days. Ron was a friend and mentor to all. He will be missed by many both on and off the course.
Due to the pandemic a Celebration of Life will be held when the world is a safer place for people to gather. Words of condolence can be written on the Godfrey Funeral Home site at www.godfreyfuneralhome.com.
