Raymond Walter Eckel, Sr. born on July 4th1930, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at his home in the Iselin section of Woodbridge Township. He was 89 years old.

Born in Newark, he has resided in Iselin for the past 56 years.

Mr. Eckel was employed for many years as a supermarket manager with Pantry Pride / Food Fair in Newark and operated the Westbury Sweet Shop in Iselin. He then worked as a head custodian for Woodbridge Township Board of Education and, most recently, worked with Woodbridge Township as a crossing guard and with the Recreation Department at the Woodbridge Community Center.

He was a communicant of Saint Cecelia's Catholic Church in Iselin.

Ray was predeceased by his wife, Sarah DiEdwardo, in 2014; daughter, Debra Wall, in 2010; brother, Lee Eckel; and sister, Peggie Gaeta.

Surviving are his sister, Dolores Griffin, of Toms River; children, Donna Eckel of Iselin, Raymond Walter Eckel, Jr. of Middletown and Steven Eckel of Jackson; 16 grandchildren; and 21 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his loyal and loving furry friend, Maggie.

Funeral services were private under the direction of Costello-Greiner Funeral Home, 44 Green Street at Barron Avenue, Woodbridge.

In lieu of flower contributions to Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org/donate) in Mr. Eckel's memory would be greatly appreciated by his family.