Raymond Kietrys, age 72, of Hackettstown, NJ passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at Hackettstown Medical Center. Ray was born on June 29, 1949 in Newton, NJ to the late John F. Kietrys and Mary Helen (Kozlowski) Kietrys. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Kietrys.
Ray was a lifelong resident of Hackettstown. He attended St. Mary’s school as a young child, and graduated from Hackettstown High School in 1967. While at HHS, he served as the Class President from 1966-67 and was a member of the wrestling and basketball teams. Most notably, he was quarterback for the football team, and in 1966 they were co-champions of the Delaware River Conference along with Washington’s Blue Streaks – their head-to-head battle that season ended in a 0-0 tie. He also was the Captain and second baseman for the HHS baseball team where he was the leadoff hitter and led the team in stolen bases. In 1967, the Tigers were the Delaware River Conference Champions and went on to win the Little Four Championship.
Ray attended Lafayette College in Easton, PA where he played baseball, and graduated from Montclair State College where he earned his B.A. in History and Philosophy, as well as received his teaching certification.
Ray was a graduate of the Major League Umpire Development Program and umpired professionally in the New York – PENN League. He also umpired college and high school baseball in the area, and was a permanent fixture at Tannery Field in Hackettstown, umpiring all the men’s softball league games for 20+ years. He was active in the local community coaching football and wrestling in the Hackettstown Recreation Program.
Ray was a Realtor for over 40 years, specializing in residential sales in the Hackettstown area. He was a member of the NJ Association of Realtors and received their “NJAR Circle of Excellence Award” multiple times as well as the CENTURY 21 “Customer Service Award.” He was also named one of New Jersey’s Top Real Estate Agents in New Jersey Monthly.
He enjoyed playing golf and was an avid college football fan. He especially loved the Virginia Tech Hokies and attended countless games at Lane Stadium with his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Patricia; his daughter Krista Roberts and husband Erik and their son, Patrick, of Princeton, NJ; his eldest brother John Kietrys of Christiansburg, VA; his nephew Michael Kietrys and wife Amy, and their children John and Casey of Christiansburg, VA; his niece Kelly and her husband Doug Wallace and their son Bradley of Phoenix, AZ. Ray is survived by additional extended family in New Jersey and many loving friends.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 4 from 10 – 11 am at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ.
The funeral service will begin at 11 am on Saturday, December 4 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Pequest Union Cemetery, Great Meadows, NJ at a later date.
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Rachel Catapano says
November 24, 2021 at 11:53 pmPatti & Krista,
I am so sorry for your loss 💔😢 You are in our thoughts and prayers 🙏❤ Sending you love. May Ray Rest in peace 🙏
Karen Dooney says
November 25, 2021 at 12:42 amDear Patti, Krista and the Kietrys Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family. My you find comfort and peace during this trying time.
Sharon Bergen Lynch says
November 25, 2021 at 12:47 amKietrys Family, So sorry for your loss. I went to HHS with Ray & graduated “67. He was a great guy. Gone too soon.
Sharon Bergen Lynch
Ed Wehmeyer says
November 25, 2021 at 1:09 amSuch sad news. My condolences and deepest sympathy to the Kietrys Family. I’ve known Ray for over 45 years and will always remember him as a great guy and umpire. We were friends and I will always remember his kindness, smile and great laugh! Wonderful person.
May your cherished memories of Ray give you comfort and peace
Rest In Peace Ray
Karin & Bob Schardt says
November 25, 2021 at 1:32 amDear Kietrys Family, our sincere condolences on the passing of Ray. We were in class of ‘67 together , Ray was always involved in our class reunion committee that were in our home. Ray was also our realtor. We will miss him. He was a wonderful person.
Karin & Bob Schardt says
November 25, 2021 at 1:33 amDear Kietrys Family, our sincere condolences on the passing of Ray. We were in class of ‘67 together , Ray was always involved in our class reunion committee that were in our home. Ray was also our realtor. We will miss him. He was a wonderful person..
martin O'Hora says
November 25, 2021 at 11:55 amDear Kietrys Family, Ray and my wife and myself worked together at Cent 21 NW and Ray was one of the finest men we’ve ever met.May he RIP!
Joy and Les Snyder says
November 25, 2021 at 12:35 pmWe are so saddened to learn of the passing of our longtime friend, Ray…He actually sold us the home that we live in to this day and love. Our Sincere Sympathy goes out to the entire Kietrys family….Joy and Les Snyder
Carolyn E momm says
November 25, 2021 at 1:21 pmDear Kietrys Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. I went to school with Ray starting at St. Marys’ and then onto HHS. Class of 67. I also worked with Ray years later on finding homes for me with my work at the time. He was a great and sweet man. May he be at peace.
Chick and Linda Dimiceli says
November 25, 2021 at 4:42 pmDear Kietrys family we are saddened to here of the passing of Ray.He was a life long friend.Always great you with that smile he was a great man God bless
John Mandick says
November 25, 2021 at 5:16 pmOn behalf of myself and the entire Hackettstown Mens Softball League past and present I offer our sincere condolences. Ray was a true gentleman and the best umpire I have ever had the privilege to play and work with. After they made Ray, they threw away the mold. I will carry memories of him with me always.
Paul & Robin Wallace says
November 25, 2021 at 5:35 pmDear Kietrys’ Family
My Wife Robin and I were so saddened to read of Ray’s passing.
We just saw him not long ago at ShopRite and had our normal pleasant catching up conversation.
Ray was one of the finest, and most gentlemanly people I had the pleasure of knowing, and if I am stunned & saddened, I can’t imagine your pain.
I know my words will fall short of helping ease the path you are walking, but please know we have all before our FATHER in Heaven, through Christ our LORD, praying for HIM to provide the comfort HE alone can.
GOD Bless you all
In Christ alone
Paul & Robin Wallace
Jessica & Julio says
November 27, 2021 at 3:58 amDear Kietrys’ Family,
Our deepest condolences. Raymond was a good man. Patti and Krista, my heart is swollen with grief and I can’t even find the words. He was always smiling, always so kind and encouraging, with a great sense of humor. I pray with you, for your enduring love and strength. We love you and the family very much. God Bless You.
Cindee and Greg Roberts says
November 28, 2021 at 7:02 pmDear Patti, Krista, Erik, Patrick, and all the Kietrys’ family,
We are so deeply saddened on the loss of Ray. We are so fortunate we got to know him when Krista and Erik married. He was the best in-law ever, kind, gentle and a very loving family man. He was such a wonderful grandpa to Patrick. We will cherish the wonderful memories we have of him and carry him in our hearts forever. We love you all very much!
Dawn Zinn says
November 29, 2021 at 8:41 pmDear Patti and all the Kietrys family, I am so sorry for your loss! May the Lord comfort you during this very hard time!
Ted Diadiun says
December 31, 2021 at 5:14 amSorry to be so late with this. Ray and his family were a central part of my growing-up years on Budd Lake Road, and a wonderful friend. The fact that it’s been a long while since we’ve seen each other doesn’t lessen the sadness I feel. God bless Patti, Krista and the rest of Ray’s family.
Joan McCarthy says
February 10, 2022 at 8:34 pmPatti, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and your family.
Sue Hughes says
February 21, 2022 at 8:12 pmPatti, May the fond memories of Ray always remain in you and your family hearts.
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