Ronald F. Larkin

January 4, 1943 - March 9, 2023

Holmdel Funeral Home

26 South Holmdel Road

Holmdel, NJ 07733

Friday 3/17, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location Not Available

Saturday 3/18, 12:00 pm

Dr. Ronald Francis Larkin (EdD) passed away at the age of 80 in his home in Jackson, NJ on March 9, 2023. Ron was born on January 4^th, 1943 in Jersey City, NJ to “Bull” (Fred) and Mary Larkin. Ron Larkin was a loving family man, an educator and coach. He is loved and will be greatly missed.

Growing up in Jersey City, Ron began working at an early age and developed a strong work ethic. A true athlete and highly competitive; Ron loved playing all sports. Ron graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Jersey City before receiving his undergraduate degree from New Jersey City University. While attending college, Ron worked nights as a truck driver with the Teamsters Union and at the A&P in Hoboken. Ron went on to earn both his Master and Doctorate degrees in Education from Rutgers University.

Dr. Larkin started his career in education as a teacher in the Newark Public Schools. While in Newark, he was promoted to Assistant Principal and then Principal at Hawthorne Avenue School before becoming an Assistant Superintendent for the Newark Public School District. Dr. Larkin was then hired as the Superintendent of Schools for the New Brunswick Public Schools. During his tenure in New Brunswick, Dr. Larkin was honored as the “New Jersey Superintendent of the Year” in 1995 and was appointed as the President of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) in 2000. Dr. Larkin was the Superintendent in New Brunswick for 24 years before retiring. After being retired for a couple of years, Dr. Larkin was hired as the Executive Director and Principal of Montgomery Academy in Basking Ridge, NJ. Dr. Larkin cherished working with his colleagues and the students at Montgomery Academy before retiring once again.

In his personal life, Ron was a devoted father, husband, grandfather and uncle. He coached H.Y.A.A. soccer, baseball and basketball as well as the Holmdel Mid-Monmouth basketball team. He played an integral role in establishing the Colts Neck Stallions soccer club (now the Holmdel Stallions). Ron was an exceptional basketball coach on many levels. Perhaps Ron’s greatest coaching achievement was leading the Central Jersey Hawks A.A.U basketball team to several New Jersey State Championship Titles and subsequent A.A.U. National Tournament appearances.

When not working or coaching, Ron was a highly rated tennis player, avid golfer and expert skier. He also enjoyed a good cigar and holding court with family members. He and his family enjoyed memorable trips to Europe, Hawaii and Wildwood. Ron was a regular at his local diners; starting with Lee’s in Monroe, The Red Oak in Hazlet and then The Mug Rack in Jackson. Ron loved to read and would read multiple books a week. He valued family, hard work and “learning all that you can”. In his later years, he played Bridge along with his wife.

Ron lived a full life. He led by example and determination. He elevated his family and those around him. His memory will live on through those he influenced and impacted, of which there are many.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, of 57 years, Rose Annette Larkin. He is also survived by his son Ryan and Ryan’s wife Zuleika Larkin, as well as his granddaughters Rose and Isabella Larkin. Ron was a doting grandfather and was affectionately known as “Pop Pop”. Ron had a large extended family and is survived by many loving nieces and nephews, including Scott Mester. Ron held a special place in his heart for his cousins and the fond memories that he had of growing up with them. Ron is predeceased by his sister Nancy Mester.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, March 17^th from 4pm to 8pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home located at 26 S. Holmdel Road in Holmdel. A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 18^th at 12pm at St. Catharine’s Church of Holmdel, followed by a ceremony at the Holmdel Cemetery.

In lieu of traditional remembrances, please consider making a donation in Ron’s name to Montgomery Academy in Basking Ridge, NJ or a charity of your choice.

For messages of condolences or to share a favorite memory of Ron, please visit his page of tribute at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com

We love you Pop Pop…

Woolley Boglioli Funeral Home

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Holmdel Funeral Home

26 South Holmdel Road

Holmdel, NJ 07733

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Friday 3/17, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

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Saturday 3/18, 12:00 pm

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Dr. Ronald Francis Larkin (EdD) passed away at the age of 80 in his home in Jackson, NJ on March 9, 2023. Ron was born on January 4th, 1943 in Jersey City, NJ to “Bull” (Fred) and Mary Larkin. Ron Larkin was a loving family man, an educator and coach. He is loved and will …
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I am writing on behalf of Adel Khalaf. Adel worked with Ron at Montgomery Academy. Adel is teaching abroad in Kuwait and could not make it to the wake or funeral. But he wanted me to share his sympathies and condolences with Ron's family and loved ones. He thought very highly of Ron. He thought Ron was a great principal and a lovely human being. Adel will miss him. Thank you and God bless.

I would like to thank you for all the support and kindness shared!! I know Ron would have been quite pleased with the outpour of love that was given by all bis friends and family. Thank you once again! Love, Rose Annette

Mrs. Larkin, it's been so long since you were my teacher in grammar school. I'm so so sorry for the loss of your dear husband. May he find peace in paradise.

Dr. Ronald Larkin’s mantra was “Success for all children, parents, and staff”. He exemplified excellence in all areas of students’ academics and all students produced which was evident as the students’ NJ Standardized Test scores rose in all subject areas. Dr. Larkin always went the extra mile to ensure students’ needs were met. He treated others with dignity and respect, a true humanitarian! To the family: May you gain strength and peace. Hold fast to treasured memories! With our deepest sympathy and love, Hawthorne Avenue School Family

It was a great time knowing Ron. I was a principal in Newark during the same time as Ron. He was most gracious and sharing of information and ideas. You have my deepest condolences. June Lockett

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I had the wonderful opportunity to work for Dr. Larkin at Montgomery Academy. When he came to our school as our Executive Director, he truly took the school to a new level with his experience and dedication to the students and staff. His motto was always "The Buck Stops Here!" and he made sure to handle any and all situations or concerns that were brought his way- which I very much appreciated as I always knew I could count on him. He always encouraged and supported the staff and whenever possible would come along side us even in the little things, like standing outside in the rain for bus duty, or sitting in long and uncomfortable meetings to make sure he was there for us, it was truly such a special style of leadership. I have so many wonderful memories of Ron and I had many moments where I would sit with him and just take in the experience he would offer- things that still are with me now. He truly will be missed. His legacy at Montgomery Academy will go on- as those of us who knew him, bring him up often in conversation. Thank you to his family for sharing him with us all those years as he dedicated so much of his time and attention to our school and staff. May he rest in peace. Sending prayers to his family and friends.

I was very fortunate to have worked with Dr. Larken as a member of the Board of Directors of Montgomery Academy when he was it's Principal. When I joined the Board he went out of his way to share the wisdom from his experience, suggested improvements that could be made. His passionate dedication the staff to create and sustain a welcoming and safe environment for it's special need students to feel safe and "To be themselves" was truly profound. Ron was unique and I am very fortunate to have known him.

We are so sorry for your loss. Ron was a terrific person who always seemed to put the needs of children and family first. We considered him a friend who will be missed by all who knew him. I will always remember the support he gave me and my school district (Monroe Twp.) over the years that I was employed there. May he Rest In Peace.

Larkin Family, I am deeply saddened to hear of Ron's passing and offer my most sincere condolences to each of you. As the former Principal of Ann Street School I worked very closely with him and knew him to be an outstanding educator and leader. We shared many lunches, laughs and memories at the Casa R events. I know you are grieving and heartbroken at his loss because he was truly a special person. God Bless you my friend as you are surely in heaven. Sincerely, Joseph N. Maccia

Dr. Larkin was a wonderful educator, superintendent, advocate, and friend. Being a teacher in New Brunswick under his leadership was a very special experience for me. He believed in his teachers, and wanted the best for his students. His door was always open, and he was always willing to listen to the ideas of his students and teachers. He ALWAYS made time for us. The world has lost a great man. Thank you for all that you have done for so many. May you Rest In Peace, and know that you are forever respected and will be greatly missed.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.