Obituary of Eugene E. Ray Sr.

Eugene E. Ray, Sr., 86, of Lincroft passed away peacefully at his son’s home on Friday, August 25, 2023. He was born in New York City, raised in Riverdale, NY, and lived in Monmouth Beach and Long Branch before settling in Lincroft in 1999. Gene graduated from the New York Institute of Technology in 1967 where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture.  Since 1994, he and his wife owned and operated the Chesapeake Exterminating Company before retiring in 2021 with twenty-five dedicated years to their customers.  Gene was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps which he served in from 1954 to 1957. He was a lifelong member of the VFW Post 2140 of Long Branch, the American Legion of Long Branch, Elks Lodge #742, the Eastern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce, and several other professional organizations.  Gene had a passion for martial arts in which he was ranked as a 4^th Dan blackbelt. He was the founder of the Monmouth Beach Karate Center and participated in three other karate schools simultaneously. Gene enjoyed other pleasures in life such as golfing and sailing but relished the time spent with his family and friends.

Eugene is predeceased in death by his loving wife, Jean F. Ray; daughter, Claire Lee Williams; sisters, Dolores A. White and Claire Ann Scovel; and brother, Richard Ray. He is survived by his children, Eugene E. Ray, Jr. and his wife, Samira of Freehold Township, Timothy J. Ray of Canton, GA, and Jean B. Mooney and her husband, Billy of New Egypt; grandsons, John Ray, Tom Ray and Patrick Mooney; brother, James Ray, Sr. of Dunedin, FL; sister, Diane Dias of New York; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 from 3:00 to 5:30 PM with his funeral service to follow. Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at the funeral home for the procession leaving at 9:00 AM for his 11:30 AM graveside service at Kensico Cemetery, 273 Lakeview Avenue, Valhalla, NY 10595.  For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made in Gene’s name to the VFW, P.O. Box 2002, Milford, NH 03055-2002 or by clicking HERE. All arrangements were under the direction of the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township.  For information, directions or to leave condolence messages, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.