Raymond Vincent Vesey

Born May 21, 1932 in Union, New Jersey to William and Helen Vesey, Raymond Vincent Vesey, the third of four boys, entered the world in the early years of The Great Depression. He was given the middle name of Vincent after his father's brother. Ray came from humble, Irish beginnings. William (Bill), Robert (Bob), Raymond (Ray), and John (Jack) grew up together in a modest home in Union, New Jersey. While Ray experienced his share of struggles during this economically tumultuous era, God had great plans for his life's journey.

Ray learned the importance of hard work and grit at an early age. From his work asa coppersmith at the Budweiser plant in Newark to serving in the US Navy to starting his own trucking delivery business, Ray never shied away from challenging situations and overcoming the odds. At the encouragement of his best friend, Donny Lloyd, the two young men enlisted in the US Navy in 1952. Ray, who did not know how to swim, survived four years serving our country during the Korean War. The Navy enabled Ray to travel the world, experiencing many cultures, customs, and, most especially, the rituals of the Navy. After years of work, during his first vacation in 1967 to St. Thomas, where he had been while in the Navy, Ray encountered Geraldine Tatasciore, who would become his wife of 57 years.

Ray and Geri married on February 17, 1968 in Flushing, New York and settled in Warren, New Jersey to begin their new life together. During their decades together, Ray and Geri adopted their son, Raymond WIlliam, and their daughter, Kim Stella. Nearly four years after Kim's adoption, they welcomed Elizabeth Helen into the family. The family of five enjoyed many moments of laughter, squabbles, family vacations, and lots of tennis. "Move those feet!" became a mantra that the kids fondly remember as Dad coached them in tennis over the years. Although less than eager, Ray never missed attending the girls' many gymnastics meets and cheering them on. Beyond their own family, Ray and Geri also opened their home to two foster children, one from Laos and one from Vietnam.

Ray took his trucking delivery business, which started with a van in his garage and his brothers as partners, and established VZ Delivery Systems, Inc., an enormously successful transportation company that served the tri-state area and beyond. His business acumen, great smile, and kindly approach to clients and employees made Ray into a well-respected businessman and a much-loved boss. [The kids played their part in growing the business. Ray, Jr. learned to drive eighteen-wheelers and was out on the road for years. Kim became a favorite of Ray's secretary, Kay, and could be found organizing files and draws when she went to work with Dad. Beth would visit and find the snacks, sodas, and goodies the kids looked forward to eating as the Big Boss's Kids.] Ray worked 18+ hour days for years and finally retired in the 1990's.

Always wanting to challenge himself, Ray obtained his commercial real estate license and continued to dabble in the business world while enjoying lots of time on the tennis court. Throughout the kids' school years and into retirement, Ray dedicated much of his free time to volunteering at the schools and the Church, including the Good Samaritan Ministry, Pedals for Progress, and his favorite, Habitat for Humanity. His service to others also included mission trips to Guatemala and Jamaica. Once the kids left the nest, Ray and Geri settled in Bedminster, New Jersey.

A dedicated and hard worker, a devoted husband, and an amazing father and provider, Ray lived a very long, full life to the age of 93. On Thursday, August 13, 2025 God called Ray home and he peacefully died while in hospice to the voices of nurses singing Irish songs with Geri by his side.

Ray is survived by his wife, Geri Vesey, his daughters, Kim (Vesey) Gourd and Elizabeth (Beth Vesey) Sandel, and his grandkids, Stella Gourd, Evan Gourd, Sara Gourd, William Sandel, and Jack Sandel. He is also survived by his brother, John (Jack) Vesey along with his wife, Gerri (Ballerano) Vesey, and their daughters, Kathryn (Vesey) White and Patricia (Trish Vesey) Tolly and their families. Ray was preceded in death by his son, Raymond William, who died in June 2023, and his brothers, William (Bill) and Robert (Bob).

We will remember Ray, husband, father, brother, and friend, with enormous love and joy. He had a brilliant smile that could light up a room. His sense of humor, both intelligent and subtle, shined in the presence of his kids, his wife, and all who enjoyed his company. He loved singing silly sailor songs and little ditties from his childhood. "Let the Ball Roll" made us laugh and even his grandkids will remember Pop Pop singing that tune. Despite the toll life took on his body, Ray's mind stayed as sharp as ever. His financial savvy, insightful perspectives, and grasp of the world enlightened his family and friends for decades and will continue to be his legacy.

We love you so much for who you are and for the loving influence you had on us. We know you will be with us always as we continue to journey in this life. We anticipate the day when we will be reunited and pray that you continue to be our guide and protector from Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial donations be made to Habitat for Humanity.