Ronald Dale Heft, age 83 of Port Orange, Florida passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, the late son of Howard and Nellie (Snyder) Heft.

Ronnie, commonly known as “Hefty” attended Warren Hills High School.  After 25 years of service, Ronnie retired in 2004 as the Director for the Hampton Public Works Department.  During his employment Ronnie was instrumental in instituting the first recycling program in Hampton, Hunterdon County, NJ with other towns eventually following suit.  Ronnie was also instrumental in the development of the Hampton Borough Park which he took great pride in.  Ronnie also managed Hampton’s Community Service Program and served on the Board for Hampton’s Welfare Assistance. 

Ronnie was a Coach and President for the Hampton Recreation Association; in this role he not only coached the team but mentored many of the kids in town.  As one of the coaches for the little league, he was the the first to secure a female athlete on his team.  For many years, Ronnie was also an active member for both the Hampton Fire Department and Rescue Squad.  

Often Ronnie would be sporting a Nascar shirt as he was an avid follower attending races all over the country including Daytona Beach, FL; Pocono, PA; Talladega, AL and Dover, DL.  

Ronnie and his wife Virginia “Ginny” enjoyed taking cruises alone, with their grandchildren and many other family and friends.  Also, Ronnie took many Hunting and Fishing trips to Maine and New York with both his sons, Ron Jr., and Rod. 

On January 12, 1962, Ronnie married Virginia (Strunk) at the Presbyterian Parsonage in Hampton, NJ.  Together they lived in Hampton, NJ and for 18 years were snowbirds until they moved full time to Port Orange, Florida in 2021.

Ronnie was very proud of his family and would often talk about them to anyone who would listen and never hesitated to attend school and sporting events for his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews as well as many friends and will be missed by all. 

Ronnie is survived by many loving family members including his wife Virginia of 62 years, Port Orange, FL; son Rodney Heft and wife Kim Heft of Clinton, NJ; daughter Margaret Beavers and husband Sam Beavers of Hampton, NJ; brother Gary Heft and wife Janet Heft of Raubsville, PA.  Ronnie also had 4 grandchildren, Ceara (33), Corinne (32), Carly (30) and Jesse (28) and 3 great grandsons.  Preceded in death is a son, Ronald Dale Heft Jr., and five siblings, brothers Richard, Donald and Robert and sisters Shirley and Randy.

In lieu of flowers; donations may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Volusia County, FL.

Upcoming Services:

Florida 

Celebration of Life

Friday, January 17, 2025, 11:00 a.m.

Daytona Beach Drive-In Christian Church

3140 South Atlantic Avenue 

Daytona Beach,  FL

New Jersey

Celebration of Life

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 11:00 a.m.

Round Valley United Methodist Church 

30 Main Street

Lebanon, NJ