Raymond "Ray" Joseph Parysz

Raymond Joseph Parysz, known lovingly as Ray, passed away on June 9, 2026, in Wayne, New Jersey, at the age of 77 surrounded by his family after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on August 14, 1948, in Passaic, New Jersey, Ray was the son of Theophilus Parysz & Stella Parysz, née Makowka. He was raised in Wallington, where he spent his early years and began building the steady, kind, and thoughtful character that would define his life. Ray carried himself with quiet dignity and warmth, and those who knew him best will remember him as a loving, generous, and gentle man whose presence brought comfort and strength to his family and friends.

Ray met the love of this life, Joan Parysz, née Tarakjian, at a Sweet 16 party in 1966. The two spent the next 60 years devoted to one another, including 56 as husband and wife. They made their home together, first in Clifton, where they joyfully welcomed their two sons, and then in Wayne where they lived for the last 38 years. Their marriage was a true example of enduring commitment, and Ray was deeply proud of the family he and Joan created together.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; his son, Mark Raymond Parysz, and Mark’s wife, Kathryn Mollie Goldman Himmelfarb; his son, Andrew (Drew) Joseph Parysz, and Drew’s wife, Laura Kathryn Godlewski Parysz; and his cherished granddaughter, Sadie Jean Himmelfarb Parysz who lovingly called him “Poppy”. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy; his brother-in-law, Dr. Denis Tarakjian; his sister-in-law, Merja Vainio; his niece, Alexis Tarakjian; his nephew, Eric Tarakjian; and many cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

Following getting his bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University Ray devoted 42 years of his professional life to Hoffman-LaRoche in Nutley where he worked as a Financial Analyst. His tenure was marked by a commitment to his role and by being a dependable colleague to many employees over his time there. He retired in 2011 after having built a steady presence in his office and around campus.

Outside of work, Ray found joy in the simple and meaningful pleasures of life. He loved traveling with Joan, both throughout the United States and abroad, and he embraced the opportunity to experience new places and cultures together. He enjoyed exploring new foods, whether preparing them at home or discovering them while dining out. He also had a creative side and took pleasure in photography and woodworking, pursuits that reflected both his patience and his appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship.

Ray will be remembered for the love he gave so freely, the generosity he showed to others, and the gentle spirit that touched everyone around him. His life was one of devotion to family, steadfast partnership, and quiet accomplishment. Though he will be profoundly missed, his legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the memories he created, and the many lives he touched with kindness and grace.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 9:45 am from the funeral home followed by a 10:30 am Mass at St. Philip the Apostle R.C. Church, 797 Valley Road, Clifton. Interment to follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Montclair. The family welcomes memorial donations to The Lustgarten Foundation in remembrance of Ray http://events.lustgarten.org/RaymondParysz.  Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave condolences to the family on the Tribute Wall section of the online obituary.