Robert J Payne

Robert J. Payne (1947 – 2025)
Robert James Payne, 78, of Little Egg Harbor, NJ, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, at his home.
He was born in Newark, NJ, in 1947 to William and Eleanor Payne, and grew up in Chatham. Robert attended both Chatham and Irvington High Schools before being drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He served in the Army Infantry from 1966 to 1968, earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and commendations for marksmanship, including Expert (M-60 MG), Sharpshooter (M-16), and Marksman (Rifle).
After his military service, he married his wife, Sonia (Davidovich) Payne, studied at Morris County College, and went on to work as Director of MIS/IT at Etienne Aigner in Sayreville, NJ, where he remained until his retirement.
Robert had a passion for photography, bowling, Lionel trains, cars (especially Corvettes), playing pinochle, and keeping his lawn immaculate. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, New York Giants, and the Army West Point Black Knights.
Above all, he took great pride in being a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He especially loved coaching his children's baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer teams. Robert will be remembered as a kind and loving man who touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He was known for his strength, humor, and devotion to his family and will be greatly missed.
Robert was a proud member of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and a founding member of the Baymen's Veterans group at Harbor Bay. He was involved in the Golden Knights Drum & Bugle Corps, Harbor Bay Men's Club, the Harbor Bay Harbortones, and the Uniform Code Council (UCC). Additionally, he contributed as a photographer for the Harbor Bay Breeze Magazine.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sonia Payne of Little Egg Harbor, NJ; his two children: Robert B. Payne and his wife Jacqueline of Chatham, NJ, and Lisa (Payne) Murray and her husband Jonathan of Lithia, FL; and his three grandchildren: Conor and Liam Payne of Chatham, NJ, and Tyler Murray of Lithia, FL. He is also survived by his siblings: Eileen Payne, Cathy (Payne) Barton, and Stephen Payne. He was predeceased by his mother, Eleanor Payne, and his brother, William "Billy" Payne.
Family and friends are invited to a viewing at Wm. A. Bradley & Son Funeral Home on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, July 14, 2025, at St. Patrick Church in Chatham, NJ. Robert will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, NJ.