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County Engineer Lotrecchio Set To Retire
Scarantino Appointed To Position
TOMS RIVER - 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 an hour.
From those humble beginnings, Lotrecchio worked his way up the ladder in the county, serving as 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, leaving behind him a legacy that has left Ocean County a better place to live, according to those he's worked with during his career.
"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 noted. "Frank is absolutely qualified for this position and we are happy to make this appointment today."
Scarantino, 55, served as township engineer and director of public works for Hillsborough Township before joining the Ocean County Engineering Department. He is a certified professional engineer in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
Kelly noted that Scarantino closely worked with Lotrecchio on some of the county's major capital projects.
"Both of these projects have had a positive
impact on our motorists," Kelly said. "Ron has seen the opening of the $25
million Mantoloking Bridge and was a significant contributor to making certain the $6 million downtown Toms River span was built and built right.
"That span has made a significant difference in easing the traffic of downtown Toms River and much of the credit goes to the leadership of Ron Lotrecchio," Kelly said.
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., who serves as liaison to finance. "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. He supervised a staff of 109 employees who manage the design and construction of over 50 projects each year and he also oversees the 33 employees of the Traffic Maintenance Shop.
"Engineering is a major component of Ocean County government," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari. "Ron took this responsibility seriously. He would come in early in the morning and stay late in the evening to make sure the job got done. He can be truly proud of the work he performed here."
Freeholder Gerry P. Little commended Lotrecchio for his work on so many county road projects.
"Ron has been here for the ribbon cuttings marking the completion of Brick Boulevard, the county's largest project, the reconstruction of Hooper Avenue in Toms River and Route 528 in Lakewood and a host of other projects, big and small," Little said. "He has been a driving force in getting things done around Ocean County and getting them done the right way."
Lotrecchio is a graduate of New Brunswick High School and the New Jersey Institute of Technology, holding a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, and a master's degree in civil engineering and construction management.
"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."
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