Ronald J. Kalb, age 78, of Jackson, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026. Ron honorably served as a patrolman with the Howell Township Police Department for many years before medically retiring in the late 1980’s, due to an injury received while on the job. Born in New York, he grew up in Staten Island, NY. He then moved to Howell before settling in Jackson in 1986.Ron was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and a dedicated member of the Howell Township PBA #228, where he previously served as secretary.
Very mechanically inclined, Ron could often be found working on cars or his radio-controlled helicopters in the garage he built. He also enjoyed a variety of hobbies including golfing and fishing with friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Frank Kalb, his brother, Robert Kalb, and his sister, Patricia Whitesell. Ron is survived by his daughter, Jill Kalb; his son, Michael Kalb; and his three grandchildren, Marisa, Kayla, and Hunter.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial gathering from 4-7pm, Thursday, February 5, 2026, at DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home, 119 Union Ave., Lakehurst.
Ron was our neighbor growing up and I have so many great memories of him. There was always some sort of wild adventure happening on our street and Ron was always there to help. I remember his saving our dog from a stray that had attacked him, he helped when our cat died in the pool. He came over to check out a strange car he spotted in the driveway that he knew didn’t belong when he knew no one was home He ran over in the middle of the night when he heard gunshots, my dad was at war with a raccoon and had finally won. Once when Jill and I had convinced ourselves that a neighbor’s house didn’t look right, he believed us and went to investigate, despite it being our over active imaginations. He was always kind and always ready to help. I can think of so many more times where someone was bleeding or pets were where they weren’t supposed to be that Ron was there for us. Ron might have been retired, but we certainly kept him on his toes! I always felt safe knowing in any emergency I could run next door and Ron would be there. It’s amazing how many times we did run to Ron for help growing up and how he was always ready to go. I had so many sleepovers and days playing at his house and Jill was an older sister more than a neighbor. We used to play in the puddles in his driveway, back in the days when puddles were big and we were small. I’m sorry to hear he’s gone. My heart goes out to his family. Love you Jill, sorry for your loss.
Oh, Kimmie. I forgot about some of those shenanigans, thank you for bringing back those memories. ( but oh, some of those animals in places they shouldn’t have been. yikes). You know my dad relished his role as the unofficial neighborhood watchman. We could not have asked for better neighbors than your family, and I know my dad loved you all. I miss and love you lots. ❤️
Jill, Michael and the entire Kalb Family, I was moved upon reading about the passing of Ronnie. He was assigned to my Squad and we worked a number of years together before his Medical Retirement. Your Father always worked to the best of his ability to Serve and Protect the Residents of Howell. He was Proud of the Fact, that he lived in the Same Town and had Fellow Neighbors that He could Do Something, to make their Lives Safer. Ron was the man for our Squad that, whenever there was a ‘Lock-out’ or vehicle break-down he would respond, assist the person and they would be able to proceed Home and Appreciate The Howell Police due to your Father’s actions. He had to retire too soon and I had missed him, He was a Trustworthy and Valuable Part of “OUR SQUAD”. Ron and Your Entire Family will be in my Thoughts and Prayers. Dennis Scott- Retired Captain of Operations. Bless You, My Brother In Blue..
I always judged a cop by the “my family standard”…if a member of my family had a problem, is this the officer I would want to respond. Ron always exceeded this standard. He was my friend, my brother. May he rest in peace.
Ron was hired just a few months after I was. We were assigned to the same squad which meant that on certain high risk calls we would need to rely on each other for backup. In the early days there were so few of us on the road that most of the time the same guy would back you up. Ron was thin and wiry, however, he was also scrappy and tenacious. When I called him for help I always new I could count on him to have my back. Due to the freak accident that led to his retirement we lost a good officer, a good servant to the people of Howell Twp. and a good friend.
Rest in peace my brother.
Ron was both our neighbor and friend. He was always there whenever we needed help. When he worked nights his daughter Jill often slept over at our house. She became a second daughter to us and our hearts go out to her and her family. Ron had a heart of gold and would do anything for his friends. I always felt better that Ron was next door. I have missed him ever since we moved to Texas and now will miss him even more. I love you Jill and I’m so sorry.
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I will always remember the stray dog, the pool cat and the giant driveway puddles! Ron knew where all the bodies were buried, he might have helped with quite a few! He was always around to help when we needed him. I always felt better knowing he was next door. I’ll always remember the day Ron brought my dad and me with him to his RC plane/helicopter club. He would come over and fly his helicopter in the front yard. I can still smell the exhaust from it. Jill was like having a second older sister in the house! I forgive you for the chocolate incident! I hope you are doing well Jill and I am truly sorry for your loss.
Thanks so much, Jason. ❤️