Raymond L. Dackerman

SHORT HILLS, N.J. —

Raymond L. Dackerman, 96, of Short Hills, and formerly of Manasquan, died peacefully on Friday, Aug. 29, 2008, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on Sept. 7, 1911, in Elizabeth, to the late Henry and Rose Marie Dackerman, Ray was a World War II veteran and one of six children. He was a partner in Dackerman Motors, Dackerman Volkswagen, and Dackerman Realty. Ray moved to Short Hills in 1954.

An internationally renowned angler of giant bluefin tuna for six decades, Ray was the recipient of many commendations, including a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives for his leadership in relation to the United States Atlantic Tuna Tournament, the Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Award and membership in the Thousand Pound Club for catching a 1,000-plus pound bluefin tuna at age 68. A pioneer in the bluefin tuna industry, Ray was a founder of Ralboray Inc., a leading exporter of giant bluefin tuna, and an owner of the f/v Mary T, a survivor of "the perfect storm." He was also an owner of boats, Rose Marie, Rose Marie (II), and the Little Rosie, all from Manasquan. Notably, Ray was a supporter of efforts for full lifecycle bluefin tuna aquaculture.

Predeceased by his siblings, Katherine Marie, Harry, Alfred, George and Leroy, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Dackerman; nieces, Rosemarie Dackerman and the Rev. Elizabeth Dackerman Starbuck; and nephews, Leroy Jr. and Raymond. He is also survived by grandnieces and -nephews, Serena Orr, Jessica Ungermann, Danielle Ungermann and Dylan Raymond Dackerman, as well as in-laws and partners, Donna Dackerman, Andrew Slaby, Peter Starbuck and David Ungermann.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 2 p.m., at Christ Church, 66 Highland Ave., Short Hills. A visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Bradley, Smith & Smith Funeral Home, 415 Morris Ave., Springfield. For further information or to send a message of condolence, please go to www.bradleyfuneralhomes.com.