Ronald F. Rayner, 67, long time area cemetery contractor, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2023 in Saint Augustine, Florida.
Ron was born in South Amboy and raised in New Brunswick. He had also resided in Parlin, North Brunswick and South Brunswick before moving to Saint Augustine last year. Ron was huge sports fan cheering on the New York Jets and the New Jersey Devils for many years. He was a fan of NASCAR, Jimmy Johnson in particular, and enjoyed many races at the Pocono Raceway. He was thrilled to have attended the Daytona 500 three times. He also loved music, especially attending concerts and live events.
He was the owner /operator of Nelson Brothers Cemetery Contractors for over forty years. A definite master of his trade, Ron was the contracted gravedigger for many cemeteries throughout central New Jersey and well respected in the industry for his devotion to the job.
He was predeceased by his father Theodore in 1989.
He is survived by his wife Gretchen G. (Prybeck) Rayner, his sons; Zachary and Matthew, his daughters; Melissa Burns and Stacy Rayner, his mother Doris (McNinney) Rayner, his brother Steven Rayner, his sister Patricia Cladek, two granddaughters; Quinn and Brooke, two nephews ; Tyler and Ryan and one niece, Sarah.
Friends are invited to pay their respects to the family on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at the Kurzawa Funeral Home from 9 to 11 am, followed by the burial service at the Monumental Cemetery in South River. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation at wish.org. Ron travelled a long and arduous journey through the trials of cancer and his family extends their deepest appreciation to all those who offered support, comfort, and assistance during that time.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald F. Rayner, please visit our flower store.