Ronald Waack
January 8, 1944 ~ January 27, 2020
Waack, Ronald, “Ronnie”, age 76, of Leonia, formerly of Palisades Park, passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday January 27, 2020. Born in Teaneck, he was raised in Palisades Park and graduated from St. Michael’s High School (Union City). He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Saint Peter’s College where he played baseball. While working as a teacher he earned his Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Montclair State University. He spent most of his career as a Director of Guidance and retired from education after 46 years of service. He loved sports: playing, coaching, officiating but most of all the camaraderie. Beloved husband of 53 years to Carol (nee: Burns). Devoted father of Denise Palozzola and her husband Paul, and Chris Waack and his wife Angela. Cherished grandfather of Julia, Kate, Gianna and Justin. He was grateful for the many friends who touched his life. The family will receive their friends on Friday 4- 8 pm at the Frank A. Patti and Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home 327 Main Street “opposite the Fort Lee Library”. All are asked to assemble Saturday for the celebration of his memorial mass in St John The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. For condolences, directions, or information (201) 944-0100 orwww.frankpatti.com
Services
Funeral Service: February 1, 2020 11:00 am
St John The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church
235 Harrison Street
Leonia, NJ 07605
Visitation at Funeral Home: January 31, 2020 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Frank A. Patti & Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home
327 Main Street
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
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I haven’t seen Ron since I was 12 years old in Little League in Pal park where he umpired. Even though he was also young he was the epitome of a gentle, humble,and kind person May his wonderful soul rest in eternal peace ……He was also a great left handed hitter…. Glenn Passamonte
Ron always smiling and friendly. A really nice guy. Lived life to the fullest!! He will be missed! Susan & Bob Seyffarth
To Aunt Carol, Denise, Chris, and all of Ron's family, I offer my sincerest condolences. Uncle Ron was such a great part of my growing up, and I always thought he was so funny as well as caring. As I got older I always loved talking sports and education with him. He will definitely be missed.
I remember Mr. Waack from when he was my guidance counselor in about 1970. He was a kind man. What better thing can someone be? Condolences to his family.
The Carlstadt/East Rutherford Jr Wildcats would like to send our deepest condolences to the Waack Family. We will always keep Ronald in our memory. A donation to St Jude's was made in Ronald's name. May Ronald rest in eternal peace.
Coach Waack was my JV football and baseball coach at RD. We were all sad to see him leave RD to go to PP, but I remember him telling me that PP was his home town and he couldn’t say no to the opportunity. He loved PP. we all missed him.
Ron was a special personality at SMH ! Very sorry to hear of his passing ! Prayers and thoughts to Carol and the Family !
For many, many years Ron was instrumental to our league in that he always provided us with competent officials week in and week out during our 11 game seasons. It was always great to see Ron when he came to our August MFL meeting to discuss the latest rule changes and updates.
When his son Chris officiated games with him, they were affectionately known around the MFL as the "Father & Son Team".
Ron was a wonderful man with great integrity and a love of the game of football. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Ronnie.
So sorry to learn of Ron's passing. His family is in my prayers
Heroes come in many forms. I am proud to count Ron as one of those special people who always had a kind word to support those who needed it most. Our friendship started as college teammates and has been a part of a small group of teammates that celebrated that friendship. Some will know Ron in deeper and more intimate ways, but his persona will always be a part of me. Your family has much to celebrate even as you suffer through this difficult time.
one of the true good guys class of 61 just put my wife Nancy to rest lung cancer never smoked in her life may your family find peace as I am trying to do peaceful journey my friend Walter Kelly
Ron spoke of his family with such pride and love. I will miss his great smile.
To his family- the loss of a loved one is the not the loss of the love-love is eternal. Rest in peace Ron.
~Jan Paul
Carol, Denise,Chris,and family,
Very sorry for your loss. Ron had a special place in our life. He got me started in coaching basketball at St John’s Leonia. We had many great years with Ron and Carol who were instrumental in keeping the program moving. I ran into Ron not so long ago after many years. You would swear I saw him yesterday. One of the best to walk this earth. May he Rest In Peace . Gone but never forgotten. God Bless Ron!
Butch and Paula Kelly and family
Ronnie was a good friend and colleague at PPHS. Always encouraging and caring for others. My condolences to his beautiful family.
Carol & Family – we are very sorry for your loss. Ron was a great neighbor and we enjoyed the casual conversations by the curb. We just came back from FL to this news..
We will miss the sigh of Ron reading the paper by the window. May he rest in peace and fly high.
The Ruiz-Melendez Family
Roberto, Mercedes, Roberto G and Ana
Carol, Denise, Chris, and Family,
Hope you can find some peace in these hard times,
Ron was a great Friend, a Valued Partner, and an inspiration on the Field. Spending the better part of 31 years together in our officiating duties, gives you a true insight into the man, He quietly gathered respect of those he interacted with, and I will carry many fond memories of our times together,
God bless,
Joe & Linda Stefanelli