Raymond Abbott

Raymond M. Abbott, Jr., age 67 of Demarest (formerly of Tenafly) passed away the morning of Friday, February 14th, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Patricia Abbott, father to Ryan Abbott (wife Gina) and Amanda Holsten (husband Eric). He is survived by his siblings, Kenneth Abbott, William Brian Abbott, Nancy Abbott, his father-in-law Sal Rizzo, brother-in-law Joseph Rizzo (wife Elaine), and his niece and nephews- Sean Abbott, Michael Abbott, Jessi Van Buren, and Michael Rizzo. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond Milton Abbott, Sr. and Kathleen Burk.
At Tenafly High School, Ray was first introduced to stunts by his gym teacher and stuntman, A.J. Bakunas. Being a stuntman soon became his dream- a dream he worked towards for many years despite being told once in a letter from legend Hal Needham, "that there is nobody who can be a Hollywood stuntman and live in New Jersey." While Ray might not have become a "Hollywood" stuntman - he established himself as a New York stuntman, earning over 60 credits throughout his career. Ray was known by all to be a jokester, prankster, and an excellent story-teller; he was a natural comedian who above all wanted to make people laugh.
With his father, grandfather, and brother Ken - Abbott & Son/Abbott Brothers Painting - he worked throughout Tenafly and the Northern Valley beautifying homes and businesses alike.
Ray was a proud member of SAG/AFTRA, Tenafly Elks Lodge 2271, and US Coast Guard Auxiliary 1-SR Flotilla 10-04 Grassy Point. Former driver for the Demarest Volunteer Ambulance Corps, member of Demarest's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and former Wish Parent (Wish Granter) with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The Abbott Family extends their sincerest thanks to the Demarest Police Department, Demarest Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and the Emergency Department staff at Englewood Hospital for their kindness, gentle support, and tireless efforts to help Ray in his last moments.
Funeral mass to be held at 10:00 am on Saturday February 22 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Tenafly, NJ (10 County Road). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, New Jersey Chapter.
Make-A-Wish
Samuel & Josephine Plumeri Wishing Place
1384 Perrineville Road
Monroe Township, NJ 08831 https://wish.org/nj