D. Raymond Orsi

Dr. D. Raymond Orsi, age 94, died peacefully in his sleep on June 16, 2025 in Columbia, MD, formally of Franklin Lakes, NJ.
He is survived by his daughters, Carolyn Orsi Parsa of Laurel, MD and Allison Orsi of Wantage, NJ, sons-in-law Afshin Parsa and Timothy Norwood, four grandchildren, and two nieces, Marilyn Fischetti and Elaine Locatelli.
Ray was born in New York City on November 18, 1930, grew up in Union City, NJ, then started a family in Haledon, NJ, and later resided in Franklin Lakes NJ for 45 years. He graduated from Emerson High School in 1948 and New Jersey City University in 1952. In 1953 he married Alice Meyers from Palisades Park, NJ and they both studied and worked in education their entire careers. His graduate diplomas were an MA from Columbia University in 1954 and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Temple University in 1969. In his early career, Ray taught 7th and 8th grades in East Brunswick from 1952 – 1956 and was a teaching principal from 1956 – 1960. He was superintendent of the Stafford School District in Manahawkin, Ocean County, NJ from 1960 to 1967. In 1967, the couple moved to Haledon, NJ and started their family. Ray held the position of superintendent of the Haledon School District in Passaic County until he retired in 1991. After retirement, Ray took an interim superintendence in Somerset County and an interim principal position in Haledon for three months. He was the recipient of the New Jersey School Administrator's Certificate, The Permanent Elementary Principal's Certificate and The Permanent Elementary Teacher's Certificate. His professional activities included Executive Board Member for the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, President of the Ocean County Elementary Principals' Association, President of the Passaic County Superintendents' Association, and a member of the New Jersey Council of Education, the New Jersey School Masters' Club, the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, and the American Association of School Administrators, serving over 25 years in each organization. Ray remained active in his retirement through his hobbies of woodworking, home renovation and boating. He became president of the Faringdon Condominium Association. He was active in AARP as an instructor, a member of the DSP Century Club and Zone Coordinator in the AARP's New Jersey Driver Safety Program. He was a life member of the US Power Squadrons, Past Commander of the Saddle River Power Squadron and taught seamanship to members of the Squadron. Ray served his country in the United States Army for two years from 1953-1955.
Funeral mass will be held at 10:00am on Friday, June 20, 2025, meeting at Most Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church, 787 Franklin Lakes Road, Franklin Lakes. Entombment will follow at the George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00pom to 8:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to:
The New Jersey Education Foundation Partnership:
https://njefp.org/site/?fbclid=IwY2xjawK_q7JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFhdDMxNEc4OW0xN0NLdGRQAR4xxVj07wXTEclzlE9klSg5QjpT9EWa9vXbAGMotl9ft8Cj-qUISMoG3Gm5mw_aem_ounTFCo86tzNIsN7WDoKog
or to:
The Ellis Island Foundation
https://www.statueofliberty.org/