Ronald Nitzsche

Ronald Otto Nitzsche (Ron) passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2014, at his home in Long Key, Florida, at the age of 87.
A WWII Navy Veteran, he worked for the Dept. of the Army at Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, N.J. He earned a Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from NJIT and a Masters degree from Stevens Institute of Technology, both located in N.J. He retired in 1982 after 37 years of service, during which time he received numerous awards and decorations.
An enthusiastic square and round-dancer for over 40 years, he was also an avid reader, gardener, and rock collector. He enjoyed camping with his family in their VW camper and took several trips across the country visiting all of the National Parks and Alaska in the 1960’s and 70’s. He and his wife belonged to the Garden State Square Dance Campers, whose weekends and camporees took them all over the country and Canada. Most recently, he was a long-time member of the Long Key Squares where he and his wife taught round-dancing for 17 years.
He is survived by Mildred, his beloved wife of 62 years, his son, Robert and his wife, Laura of Columbia, N.J., daughters-in-law Margarita Turowski of Nutley, N.J. and Rosemarie Nitzsche of Stanhope, N.J. He leaves behind four granddaughters: Lisa, Elizabeth, Jennifer, and Christina. He is also survived by his brother, Herman, of Plainfield, N.J., a cousin, and many nephews and nieces. In addition to his family, he leaves behind many close friends.
He was predeceased in death by his parents, Max and Anna Nitzsche, sons, Raymond and Steven, and sisters, Eleanore Klittich and Anna Marie Baudoux.
His ashes will be scattered at his favorite fishing spot at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys, Inc., at 92001 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL, 33070 or online at www.vnahospicekeys.org.

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