Raymond J Zane

Senator Raymond J. Zane of Mickleton, NJ, aged 84, passed away on January 8, 2024.

Beloved longtime partner of 23 years to Carolyn Gattuso. Survived by his three children, ten grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren as well as Carolyn's two sons Matthew and Michael Mertz, and her mother Rosalie Gattuso.

As a parishioner of Incarnation Church in Mantua, NJ, Ray and Carolyn attended weekly mass. With his lifelong commitment to Catholicism, Ray was very proud of receiving a sacramental blessing of his long-term relationship with Carolyn at the Vatican during their first visit on October 5, 2012.

Ray and Carolyn enjoyed a life together including trips to Bermuda, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and Italy (especially Rome and Sicily). As a dedicated civil servant and history buff, Ray and Carolyn took several trips to Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, Boston, MA, Hyde Park, NY, and Newport, RI.

Leisure time was spent lounging at the pool and working on their azaleas and rhododendrons. Ray got a kick out of Carolyn's creativity decorating and restoring the garden urns each year at the back of the pool area.

As the seasons changed, summer included weeks in their place in Ocean City, NJ. The end of August and early September ritual included making and freezing homemade "gravy" to last throughout the year along with making roasted peppers, Ray's favorite with good Italian bread.

Ray was an avid hunter, and though Carolyn did not share the same passion as Ray for hunting, Carolyn cared for Ray's hunting beagles, Lady, Sue, Grace, and Blue. They loved the "farmette" where they cared for the property and horses together.

As an Attorney, with a strong commitment to the profession, Ray was a 28-year NJ State Senator for District 3. As Ray's time as a Senator ended, he took a position with the Delaware River Port Authority as General Counsel, a role he treasured almost as much as he enjoyed being a Senator. Ray loved the limelight and dancing the night away with Carolyn at his side attending the Cooper University Hospital Annual Galas, and Christmas parties at the Mansion in Voorhees, NJ, and Lucien's in Berlin, NJ.

Ray's passing will leave an indelible mark on the community and a hole in the heart of his longtime partner, Carolyn.

There will be a celebration of Ray's amazing life in the near future!