Obituary of Ronald J Nardone

Ronald J. Nardone, 79, longtime owner of Nardone’s Bakery, also known as Somerset Hills Pastry Shop in Bernardsville, died Friday, Nov. 8, at Morristown Memorial Hospital after a long illness. Mr. Nardone was also the longtime director of recreation for the Borough of Bernardsville, starting as a volunteer in 1968 before becoming a full-time employee a short time later. He implemented many recreation and leisure programs in the borough before retiring several years ago. Born in Morristown, Mr. Nardone was a lifelong resident of Bernardsville. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in recreation management at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He was also a former member of the St. Elizabeth Council 2393 Knights of Columbus. Mr. Nardone is survived by his wife, Filomena; three daughters, Karen Balsamo and her husband Ambrose, of Bernardsville, Kathleen Crow and her husband, Stephen, of Pottersville, and Debra Nardone of Bernardsville; two brothers, Philip of Basking Ridge, and John of Martinsville, Va.;  six grandchildren, James Balsamo, Sara Astle, Tara and Jason Crow, Ryan and Travis Weber, and one great grandchild. He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph Jr., and his parents, Joseph and Catherine Nardone. Funeral Services for Ronald will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions in Mr. Nardone’s name be made to the Bernardsville First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 745, Bernardsvillle 07924.