County engineer to retire
Fresh out of high school, during the summer of 1969, Ronald A. Lotrecchio worked as a draftsman in the Ocean County Engineering Department making $1.75 per hour.

From those beginnings, Lotrecchio worked his way up the ladder and served as a senior engineering draftsman, assistant engineer, senior engineer, principal engineer, assistant county engineer and ultimately county engineer.

With a 38-year career to reflect upon, Lotrecchio, of Toms River, is now getting ready to retire, according to a press release from Ocean County.

"Ron has done an outstanding job for the residents and motorists of this county," said Freeholder Director John P. Kelly, who serves as liaison to the county's engineering department. "He has been a dedicated employee always putting our taxpayers first and providing the best services possible to our residents."

Replacing Lotrecchio is Frank S. Scarantino, who has served as Ocean County's director of engineering since 2002.

"Frank and Ron have had a close working relationship," Kelly said. "Frank is absolutely qualified for this position and we are happy to make this appointment."

Scarantino, 55, served as township engineer and director of public works for Hillsborough, Somerset County, before joining the Ocean County Engineering Department. He is a certified professional engineer in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Freeholder Deputy Director James F. Lacey, who serves as liaison to Ocean County's Road Department and also to its bridges, credited Lotrecchio with making certain jobs were done the right way.

"Ron paid great attention to detail and to making sure the work was done within budget, in a timely manner and most importantly done right," Lacey said. "The work of a good county engineer spans time and affects almost everyone that comes into Ocean County.

"Ron has always put the safety of our residents and taxpayers first," Lacey said. "He is a big reason why we can point with pride to our transportation network."

Lotrecchio was named assistant county engineer in 1989 and became county engineer upon the retirement of Richard E. Lane in 2000.

"Dick did a great job for this county," said Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr. "Ron stepped up to the position and continued the tradition of making sure our infrastructure was well maintained. He did a great job."

Since becoming Ocean County engineer, Lotrecchio and his staff were responsible for the improvement projects to the 620 miles, 210 bridges and 230 traffic signals maintained by Ocean County, according to the press release. He supervised a staff of 109 employees who manage the design and construction of more than 50 projects each year and he also oversees the 33 employees of the Traffic Maintenance Shop.

Lotrecchio and his wife, Jessie, have two sons, Doug and Codey.

"Ron will be sorely missed by this board," Kelly said. "He has done an outstanding job and it has been a privilege to work so closely with a man of his character and strengths. I know this board wishes him and his family well."