Ronald A Gutek

Ronald A. Gutek, educator, firefighter and proud US Navy veteran, passed away at the age of 89 on Saturday, May 21, 2022. Ron was born in Philadelphia, PA on November 2, 1932 to the late William S. and Anna May (Grubb) Gutek. He served in the Korean War in the US Navy from 1951 to 1954, serving on the USS Muliphen, an amphibious assault cargo ship. He moved to Wildwood, NJ, in the mid 1950s where he had vacationed with his family as a child and it was in Wildwood that he met and fell in love with his soul mate, Nancy E. Pierpont. They married in 1957. He graduated from West Chester University in 1960 and received his Master’s degree in Education at the University of Arizona in 1971. Ron spent most of his teaching career at Roosevelt Junior High School in Westfield, NJ from 1962-1987 teaching physical education. He also taught students as young as elementary school and students well into Higher Education. Upon retiring from teaching, Ron worked as an OSHA inspector for the State of New Jersey. Ron believed in public service and was an active member for over 10 years at the Lopatcong Fire Company #2. Ron also enjoyed his time helping citizens on the Lopatcong Town Council and served as an Elder at Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Phillipsburg, NJ. Ron and Nancy moved to Clemson, South Carolina in 1998 where they were active in adult education classes and sporting events at Clemson University and were often seen at the Oconee Bowling Lanes in Seneca, SC. They returned to Lehigh Valley in 2015. Ron loved sports, especially the Mets, fishing, and cruising with his wife. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, children Brenda & Shawn Cahill of Bethlehem, PA and Kimberly & Jerry Cox of Bayville, NJ and grandchildren Morgan Rae and Emma Marie Cahill. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to West Chester University Foundation, in memory of Ronald Gutek. Please make checks payable to WCU Foundation, Memo: In Memory of Ronald Gutek, and mail to 202 Carter Drive, West Chester, PA 19382. Gifts can also be made through the Foundation’s secure website at go.wcufoundation.org/donate/tribute. Services will be private. To leave online Condolences, please visit his “Book of Memories” at falkfuneralhomes.com