Wayne Roger King

Wayne R. King, born on June 14, 1944, passed away on December 22, 2025, following multiple strokes. Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Penelope King; his daughters Anna Delia, Petra Karl, Penny King, and Melissa Kelly; his brother Raymond King; his nine grandchildren Tyler, Abigail, Paige, Ella, Shane, Jake, Lilian, Grace, and Maylth, sister-in-law, Ly King, and son-in-laws, Brian Kelly (deceased), Robert Karl and Kyle Delia. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews Holly, Randy, Charlene, Ricky, Michelle, Jennifer, and Robert. There is nothing that any of us couldn't tell him. He was an invaluable part of each of our lives, in the best of times, and in the worst of times. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

For the last 20+ years, he became known as "Skypop" a nickname that combined his college nickname with his role as a grandfather. Skypop was endlessly supportive and fun, always reminding everyone that life was what you make it. For years, part of his routine was to stop by on Sunday mornings, bagels in hand. After the untimely and devastating loss of his son-in-law in 2016, Skypop devoted himself to supporting Brian's young family. His first stroke in 2022 left him with aphasia, so he would begin every day, texting "DMLU" to us, which we knew meant "Good morning, love you". Born with an impossible and intoxicating gift for optimism, he had a way of making you feel that even when the world seemed to be crashing in, it would all be okay. Cultivating relationships was a priority, he would often advise us "you get from people what you put into them". He made it a point to spend time and show up. Because of this, many considered him their closest confidant, and relationships rarely faded.

A proud veteran, Wayne served his country during the Vietnam War. He carried the experiences of that time quietly. He was raised a Christian Scientist, but followed Catholicism in his married life. His faith informed his contagious passion for people and life's simple joys. Wayne attended William Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he made lifelong friends: Michael Cronin, Tommy Levine and Michael Cowan (aka, "Fluff") to name a few.

Wayne worked as a water meter salesman for companies including Gamon and Rockwell, though at heart he was an entrepreneur and jack of all trades. For instance, through his wife's work in the entertainment industry, he once acted as a booking agent for the country singer Willie Nelson. He also taught golf at Brookdale Community College for over a decade.

He had many hobbies through the years including golf, music, fishing, reading John Grisham novels, and horses. He took up fishing in Jensen Beach, FL where his mother wintered. There, he could often be found for hours under the bridge, fishing and making friends. Cape Cod, MA, the Cronin family's beach, was also a home away from home, the one constant for the King family. He bought his first race horse in the 1980s. Afterwards, riding and horse shows became a favorite family pastime. That love continued through generations, with Melissa and her children riding today. Even in recent weeks, Wayne was enjoying trips to the barn.

Wayne's warmth, presence, humor, curiosity, and love of people will be remembered always. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, the friendships he nurtured, and the family he loved so, so, so deeply. A Memorial mass will be held on Thursday, January 15 at 10:30 am at the Church of Precious Blood in Monmouth Beach, NJ. A separate Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 13. Details forthcoming.