Obituary of Wayne Riker
Wayne Riker, 64, of Parsippany, NJ, passed away on October 14, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. In our grief, we are comforted by the fact that he is now free to smile, free to talk, free to laugh, free to remember, and most wonderfully - free to just be himself once again.
Born in Orange, NJ, Wayne lived in West Orange, NJ before coming to Parsippany in 1981.
Wayne was employed by Epicor Software of Austin Texas for 41 years in a job that he absolutely loved. His strong work ethic and tireless dedication was appreciated by the many awards he received during his tenure with the company. In addition, he also worked as a Realtor/Broker with Century 21 in Parsippany. Wayne was compelled to retire in 2022 after he was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a subtype of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), an evil and unrelenting disease that hecourageously battled for 5 years.
On a beautiful day, you could find Wayne outdoors either hiking, taking a ride on his Harley, or in his huge vegetable garden. Every year he would endlessly pass out tomatoes, peppers and eggplants to anyone who would take them. Wayne was a past member of the Fairfield Racquetball Club and also enjoyed playing football and softball.
But above all, Wayne loved his family. He always put them first and would do anything for them. Whether it was cheerleading competitions, dance recitals, football games or hockey games, Wayne would always be there. Legend has it that his prowess in the annual Man Dance at his daughter's and granddaughter's recitals was incredible. Having the entire family together laughing and smiling were his favorite days. Memories of backyard parties, cannonball competitions in the pool, and family vacations in Disney and Wildwood will last forever.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Linda Wendelaar, and their children; Allison Ramsden and her husband, Christopher, of Lake Hiawatha, NJ, Michele Lombardozzi and her husband Vincent, of Boonton, NJ, Bryan Miller and his wife Megan, of Wyckoff, NJ, and Carl Miller and his wife Stephanie, of Wantage, NJ. Wayne's greatest joy in life was being called Papa by his cherished grandchildren, Ava, Amelia, Scarlett, Noah, Leo, Benjamin, Gemma and Enzo.
He is also survived by two sisters, Noreen Loguidice and Christine Wurst. Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Philip and Lillian Riker, and a brother, Steven.
At Wayne's request, funeral arrangements will be private.
For those so desiring, Memorial Gifts in honor of Wayne may be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration www.theaftd.org or to the Make a Wish Foundation www.wish.org
In Loving Memory
Wayne Riker
1961 - 2025