Ronald Hartel

Ronald R. Hartel, 78, died at home on Saturday, December 27, 2025, after a lingering illness.

Born in New Brunswick, NJ, he was the son of the late Otto Hartel and Margaret (Spanik) Hartel. He spent most of his life living in the New Brunswick and North Brunswick area.

Ronald attended St. Peter's High School in New Brunswick and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from Rutgers University. Ronald also earned a Master of Business Administration from Rutgers Business School.

Ronald spent his early career as a bass player in various bands across the Jersey Shore. He loved music, and if you drove with him, you could be sure to hear his favorites - Steely Dan, Tom Petty, Boz Scaggs, or James Taylor - on repeat play. He left his music career in his midlife and became a computer programmer and systems analyst with AT&T, then IBM, where he worked until he retired.

What Ronald loved best to do in life was boating on the Barnegat Bay in the Seaside Park area. He owned several speed boats through the years - the faster the better - including his favorite boat, "Thumper". Ronald also enjoyed watching Rutgers football games and NASCAR racing. His opportunity to be in the pits at the Daytona 500 was one of the highlights of his life.

During his later years, Ronald also had a special bond with his fast-moving Jack Russell Terrier, Joey, who predeceased him. They were constant companions. It was often said that Ron and Joey were very different, but somehow they made it work.

Ron is survived by two daughters, Amanda Hartel of Hoboken, NJ, and Elizabeth Hartel of Linden, NJ, and two sons, Kevin Hartel of Brooklyn, NY, and Keith Hartel (wife Tammy) of Hoboken, NJ. He is also survived by his brother Robert and his wife Carol Hartel and their children, his niece Kimberly and her husband Eric Armbruster and their daughter Sophie, and his nephew, Andrew and his wife Katie Hartel.

Memorials may be made in his name to Jersey Cares.