Plan for the Future
Ralph T. Meloro, IV passed away at home early Friday morning, June 7th. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Ralph was born and raised in Newark, NJ. In Grammer School, he first met the love of his life. Due to family moves, they did not cross paths again until college. He and his beloved wife, Jeannette, were married for over 65 years raising and survived by four children, their spouses, and now ten grandchildren.
Ralph was first and foremost a family man. He cherished family time like no other. Whether it was a big vacation to California, time at the family Long Branch beach house or eventually boating at the Lake Hopatcong bungalow, Ralph maintained a passion hosting not only family, but friends. He was also so incredibly supportive and would rearrange his schedule to attend as many recitals, plays, games, or school functions as time and work would permit. Ralph simply made it a point to be present and extend advice, a helping hand or just listen to family, friends, and even new acquaintances whenever an opportunity surfaced.
Ralph graduated from Newark Academy in 1953, NJIT in 1957 and went on to work with General Cable, GK Technologies and AT&T. Although successful, he was completely selfless and would forgo promotions if it took time away from his family or involved a move from his new hometown, Hanover Township. Adept with numbers, Ralph was fascinated by taxes and, upon moving to Hanover Township, worked part time as the Municipal Tax Accessor while continuing his corporate responsibilities. He was also a small business owner and operated two liquor stores in Elizabeth, NJ. Upon leaving corporate life, and selling the liquor stores, Ralph settled into his dream job as the Morris County Tax Administrator. He authored numerous state tax publications, taught, and mentored several protégés. As the President of the NJ State Tax Association, he led the creation of the first internet-based state property tax system, availing NJ residents, the first in the United States, to access and analyze their property tax records on-line. Ultimately, Ralph retired at 85 years old because he simply needed to stay sharp.
In his spare time, Ralph was an active member of the Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Hanover Township. He was appointed as the Church Building Committee Chairperson where he directed plans, raised the money, and championed the construction of the present-day Church. Ralph was also a Third Degree Knight with the Notre Dame Knights of Columbus.
Ralph was predeceased by his sister, Ida Meloro. A viewing will be held at 9:00 am on Wednesday, June 12th, followed by a Church Service at 10:00 am – both at the Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church, 75 Ridgedale Ave, Cedar Knolls, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cedar Knolls or Whippany Fire Departments in the name of fallen fire fighters.
To send the family a condolence, please visit, www.bradleyfuneralhomes.com.
