Lt. Col. Ronald Thomas Stickney

Ron was born January 15, 1941 in Rahway, NJ. He graduated from Roselle High School and Newark College of Engineering (now NJIT), where he majored in electrical engineering. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for twenty-five years, and went on to work as a project manager at BAE Systems in Little Falls, NJ until his retirement, and even for a time after when asked to return as a private contractor.

Ron was a quiet, unassuming man who loved God above all else. He was a lifelong Presbyterian, and over the years was a member of Presbyterian churches in Linden, Morristown, Clinton (MD), Sparta, Branchville, and Newton. He served on the Session of several of the churches he attended and volunteered in numerous other capacities, always willing to lend a hand.

A family man, Ron filled many coaching and leadership roles as his children were growing up. He was active in Boys Scouts of America (now Scouts BSA) for decades, first with his son and then with his grandsons. He served in a number of positions in Scouts BSA over the years, most recently as Committee Chair for Troop 276 in Byram, where his grandson was a Scout. Ron will be remembered for his big heart, quick smile, and sharp wit, and likely for his dry, quirky sense of humor, as well.

Ron was a history-buff, and an avid philatelist, genealogist, and reader. He spent hours curating his stamp collection, researching his family history, and enjoying the latest John Grisham or James Patterson novels. He could talk intelligently on a wide variety of subjects, and was the family go-to for questions on everything from history to science to politics - our very own Google.

Ron is survived by the love of his life, his wife of nearly 59 years (married December 14,1963), Carol Stickney; his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Patrick McQuillan; and 5 grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Ryan, Connor, Caden, and Kathryn McQuillan and Sarah Stickney.

He is predeceased by his parents James and Ethel (King) Stickney; his parents-in-love, Donald and Doris (Miller) Utess; and his son, James C. Stickney II.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 10th from 2 - 4PM at Goble Funeral Home 22 Main St., Sparta, NJ 07871. A service will be held at 4PM. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorial Donations may be made to Manna House, 54 High Street, Newton, NJ 07860.