Raymond Doidge, 82, of Andover Township, NJ, passed away at Newton Medical Center on October 3, 2026, after a six-year battle with dementia. Ray fought until his very last breath, but in the end, the disease was simply too much for his tired body.

Ray was born on July 3, 1944, in Jersey City, NJ, the fourth child of Donald and Margaret Doidge. He loved to say that fireworks went off on July 4th because the rest of the world found out he had been born the day before. He often spoke fondly of his childhood and the many happy memories he made growing up on Fairmount Avenue. No matter where in the country he went, he always seemed to run into a pal from the old neighborhood.

Ray received a scholarship to attend Essex Catholic High School in Newark. After graduating, he served with the Army National Guard. He was a proud member of IBEW Local 3 and worked as an electrician in New York City for 38 years. He retired shortly after 9/11, following an injury that made working with delicate fiber-optic cables increasingly difficult.

Ray was raised Catholic but later found a home in the Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder and Trustee. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Morristown and was deeply loved by the congregation.

Ray was never one to leave someone without a handshake, a friendly conversation, or a smile. A trip to the post office or a quick stop to pick up the paper could easily take three times as long because Ray had to stop and chat with everyone he met along the way. Ray never had an unkind word for anyone; he would instead offer a well-timed and good-natured joke. He was the consummate host, always offering guests a drink or a meal cooked on his cherished Weber grill, which saw use at least 300 days a year. He loved a Rutt’s Hut ripper, good music, fresh Jersey corn on the cob, classic cars, any blueberry or lemon dessert with a strong cup of black coffee, and a cocktail before dinner.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Wendy; his four children, Jennifer, Dawn (Ernest), Danielle (Adam), and Raymond (Edward); his six grandchildren, Katey, Joshua (Lily), Daniel, Johnathen, Carley, and Amber; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and more friends than this obituary could ever name.

Ray was predeceased by his parents and four siblings, Marjorie, Donald Jr., Thomas, and Nancy.

The family will have a private burial, followed by a memorial service at the Presbyterian Church in Morristown, 57 East Park Place, Morristown, NJ. on October 23^rd at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, Ray’s family asks that donations be made to World Central Kitchen, the Alzheimer’s Association, or another charity that holds meaning for you. Or, in true Ray style, leave a 30% tip to your favorite waitress.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High St. Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com/