Obituary of Raymond Henry Maroon

Spring Lake, NJ - Raymond Henry Maroon Sr. died peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of June 9, 2017.

What good is melody?

What good is music?

If it ain't possessing something sweet

Now it ain't the melody

And it ain't the music

There's something else that makes the song complete,

do wah, do wah, dow wah,

It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing

Well it don't mean a thing all you got to do is sing

It makes no difference if it's sweet or hot

Just give that rhythm ev-ry-thing you got

- Duke Ellington

These song lyrics, written by one of Ray's all time favorite musicians, capture his passionate attitude toward life. He sure gave life everything he had, and then some. He did nothing halfway and his zeal, passion, enthusiasm and dedication were among his defining qualities.

Ray was born on December 6, 1929 in Paterson N.J., to Shakeeb "John" and Jenat Maroon (nee Rome), both originally from Allepo, Syria. Ray idolized his father, and Shakeeb's sudden death when Ray was only 17 years old was a deep and profound loss for him, but he carried his father's legacy of character, fortitude and entrepreneurialism with him throughout his life.

Ray was an astute, self-made businessman who built an immensely successful business conglomerate that included car dealerships and real estate ventures. After working as a teenager at his father's gas station in Paterson, he opened Main Auto Sales, a used car lot, on Main Street in Paterson. He later established Maroon Pontiac in Wayne, NJ, and then went on to own several KIA and Saturn franchises. He was active in the car business, and a leader in the industry, for over 60 years, having received the esteemed designation of General Motors 'Master Dealer' many times over.

Ray was very proud of his involvement with The National Association of Retarded Citizens (The Arc) in the 1970's as a board member and his involvement in their fundraising activities.

Ray served in the U.S. Army during the time of the Korean War.

As a jazz devotee and aficionado, Ray loved listening to live music at Manhattan jazz clubs, and wherever he went. He was also an avid golfer. The game of golf brought him much relaxation and pleasure and he was a member of The Manasquan River Golf Club in NJ and The Breakers West Golf Club and Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. He was also a member of the Palm Beach Yacht Club where he was always greeted with the warmest "Ray's here!" by the maître de and staff. He loved having fun, dancing to big band music, making people laugh, and drinking his signature drink, The Rob Roy (his order of which inevitable included the line, "young Lady, could you put in a little more vermouth, right up to here?")

Ray had homes in Spring Lake, NJ and West Palm Beach, Florida. Ray, or "Pop-Pop" to his grandchildren, epitomized generosity, compassion, hard work, loyalty and fun. He was a hilarious joke teller and a big-hearted bear of a man with a larger than life persona who was adored by so many. He was deeply respected and loved. Ray cherished his family and has given us all so much and for that we will be forever grateful. He will live in our hearts always.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Mary Maroon (nee Nardini), eight children and step children; Ray Maroon Jr., Adrienne Crowther (Timmy); Suzanne Hooper (Adrian); Jennifer Maroon (Tommy); Amy Sotelo (Gary); Jane Wilde (Holland); Lisa Shepard (Erick) and Kim Menges (Jason). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Paul Michael Yurkosky, Allegra Crowther, Gabrielle Crowther, Anna Leonardi, Alex Leonardi, Leland Allen, Emmet Allen, R.J. Maroon, Alec Johnston, Grant Johnston, Mac Johnston, Gemma Menges, Drew Menges, Tate Menges and his precious great-grand daughter, Addy Faye Yurkosky.

He was predeceased by siblings Mary Gorayeb, Gabriel Maroon, Charles Maroon and is survived by his youngest brother, John Maroon.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa on Wednesday at 8:45 AM. Funeral mass to follow at Our Lady of the Holy Angels R.C. Church, Little Falls at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. Relatives and friends may visit on Tuesday from 4:00 – 8:00 PM.