May we all be so lucky as Ray Zardetto.
May we all be so fortunate that on our inevitable passing, people don’t talk about the terrific companies and organizations we worked at (and there were plenty), the successes we had there (and there were plenty) or the co-workers we inspired (and there were plenty).
Instead, they talk about how great a human we were.
How we were dedicated to recognizing those in the military. How we were determined to have the best ‘Halloween House’ in the neighborhood. How we treated everyone we met with respect and dignity.
Remembering Ray
The obituary of Ray Zardetto, who passed on Oct. 8, a week before his 69th birthday.
How we had a passion for science, space and science fiction — both the moon landings and the Apollo program and the silly sci-fi movies that went with it.
How we loved baseball. Not just the Yankees, but the game’s glorious history — even taking the time to research and write about a 1930 season that had long been forgotten.
And, oh, how we loved to laugh.
Whether it was the old bits by Laurel and Hardy, Abbott & Costello or the Three Stooges —or slapstick comedies, everything from Monty Python and the Holy Grail to Airplane! — we were all in. The jokes never got old.
All of this led to Ray’s second book: ‘The Five Jerks You Meet on Earth,’ a parody of the less humorous, ‘The Five People You Meet in Heaven.’
Classic Ray.
When I think of Ray Zardetto, I think of someone standing in the back of a room of yet another thoughtful and inspiring conference or event that he created and organized — yet wanted no part of the glory.
But for someone who avoided the spotlight, he couldn’t escape it this past week after his sudden passing.
Ray meant that much to that many.
Friends will gather tonight in Flemington to share stories — and share a laugh. It’s what so many have been doing this past week.
Here’s are just a few of the recollections:
- Ray was also an old-school gentleman. He stood up to shake hands. He looked you in the eye. He was clearly aware of making sure people felt seen before anyone realized the value of doing so.
- Ray was a company man. He worked at AT&T, Lucent, KPMG and the State Chamber – discussing ideas with the best of the best in the business world. Yet, he had no interest in fancy dinners or boardrooms. He would rather meet a diner, discussing action plans over a turkey club.
- Ray was the ultimate leader. He never asked anyone to do anything that he couldn’t or wouldn’t do himself.
- Ray was fond of people who had the courage to do things their own way. That’s what he did. He was not afraid to question authority, but he did so respectfully.
- Ray was a Jersey guy.
May we all be so lucky to be Ray Zardetto.
And may we all appreciate how lucky we were to have known him.
