Ralph H. Bayard

Ralph H. Bayard, 87, of Brant Beach, passed away on April 26, 2023 at his home with family. Born in Newark and raised in Irvington, Ralph served in the U.S. Army, and attended Rutgers University, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business and Finance. He starred as starting Point Guard on the Rutgers varsity basketball team for 4 years, holding an impressive scoring record. His love of sports continued throughout his life as an avid NY Jets, Mets, and Knicks fan. Ralph worked for Bristol-Meyers for 30 plus years, retiring as Head of Human Resources in 1993, and also served as a Member of the Edison Board of Education for 17 years, including President for 3 years.
In retirement, Ralph and his family moved to Long Beach Island. Although retired, his leadership qualities continued to prevail when he took the position of Long Beach Township Commissioner of Public Works, Water & Sewer in 2003, proudly serving his community for the last 20 years. He was a member of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Beach Haven, and a 40 plus year member of the Brant Beach Yacht Club where he regularly attended functions with his wife Betty (Elizabeth) and later on, Ginny (Virginia). He loved his family, and especially loved spending summers with his grandchildren. Ralph will forever be remembered as having a huge heart, always giving to others and truly making his community a better place.
Predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Bayard due to ALS in 2003, and son Timothy Bayard in 2006. Surviving are his daughter, Susan Black and her husband John, son Gregory Bayard and his wife Audrey, and grandchildren, Jonathan Black, Steven Black, Emily Bayard and her fiancé Sanford, and Gregory Bayard and his fiancé Christina.
Farewell Ralphy, you will always be in our hearts and loved.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 11:00 am at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, 410 South Atlantic Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008. Interment will be private in the Holy Innocents Memorial Garden. Arrangements are under the direction of Bugbee-Riggs Funeral Home, 1119 Long Beach Blvd (corner of 12th St & Blvd.), Ship Bottom, NJ 08008.