Obituary of Raymond J. Clark

Raymond J. Clark (“Ray”), 95, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025 following a brief illness.

Born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey to the late Raymond and Anna Clark (Salvato), Ray attended St. Mary’s High School and went on to graduate from the Fordham University School of Pharmacy in 1953. Ray had a thirty-five year career with Ciba Geigy in addition to being a pharmacist at Michael’s Pharmacy in Totowa and Franklin Lakes Pharmacy.

He met Maureen Daley on a blind date in 1958 and the rest is history. They married in July 1960, settled in Montville, where they lived for over 50 years, and raised three sons. He spent the last six years living independently in Pompton Plains, where he continued to make new friendships and engage in new activities: ping-pong being one of them.

Outside of work, Ray was an avid sportsman. He treasured his trips to the Thunderview Farms Hunting Club in Grahamsville, NY and spent countless hours fishing. When he was not hunting or fishing, he would talk about it to anyone who would listen.

Ray loved to Eat!! He enjoyed nothing more than sharing a delicious home-cooked meal with family and great friends. Lunch trips to the Hot Grill and Pizza Town always brought a smile to his face.

At home, Ray could be found in his garden, where he was especially proud of his tomatoes. They also would be a topic of conversation for willing listeners. Ray and Maureen shared a deep affection for their Doberman’s - Jesse, Cody, Dante, Casey - over the years and their home was never complete without one.

A man of strong faith, Ray was a longtime parishioner of Saint Pius X Roman Catholic Church and an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his sons Thomas Clark of Lake Hopatcong, Edward Clark of Mountain Lakes and Brian Clark and his wife Mary of Six Mile, SC; and three cherished grandchildren, Garrett Clark of Charlotte, NC, Bentley Ohuabunwa of Nashville, TN, and Mary Payne Gilden of New York, NY as well as many more dear relatives and friends. Ray was predeceased by his brothers Edward and Jack.

Although we are deeply saddened by his passing and the void he is leaving will be impossible to fill, we take comfort in knowing that he is enjoying time with the love of his life – Maureen, Walter Skrabitz, Bobby Zito and the countless other hunting and fishing buddies, and his two incredible brothers.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, July 25th from 4- 8 pm. A Mass of christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 26th at 10 am at St. Pius X RC Church, 24 Changebridge Road, Montville.  Interment to follow at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa. 

Donations in Ray's memory may be made to the good work of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.