Arnold Raquet

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Arnold Raquet, age 93, of Wayne, NJ.

Arnold passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025.  Arnold was born and raised in New York City and was one of two children to Andrew and Anna Raquet.  While growing up in New York, Arnold attended Brooklyn High School of Automotive Trades.  

Following his high school graduation with the class of 1950, Arnold found employment quickly with W. & J. Sloane.  There he was hired as a delivery truck driver.  Arnold worked for W. & J. Sloane for more than thirty years until the company’s closing.  After W. & J. Sloane closed its doors, Arnold took a position with the Township of Wayne.  Throughout the years, Arnold held several positions with Wayne Township and eventually became a Water Pollution Control Plant Operator.  This was the position Arnold held until his retirement in 2010.

In the mid 1950’s, Arnold agreed to go on a blind date with a young attractive woman by the name of Gloria Wisloh.  The two hit it off great and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and on April 29, 1956 the two exchanged wedding vows surrounded by family and friends and became husband and wife.

The newlyweds settled in Brooklyn after first getting married and then moved to Wayne, NJ.  While living in Wayne, they welcomed the birth of their one and only daughter, Evelyn.  Arnold and Gloria raised their daughter in Wayne and called it their home for the rest of their lives together.

Arnold enjoyed tinkering with all sorts of machinery and electronics and could fix and build just about anything.  He also never lost interest in cars, he treasured working on and maintaining his automobiles throughout his life.  One of his favorite cars he owned was his pink and black 1957 Buick.  In 2005, a truly special event occurred for the Raquet family.  The Norway Spruce tree on the Raquet family’s property was selected to be the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City.  

Aside from all of Arnold’s hobbies, talents, and interests, his greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Arnold than providing for and spending time with his friends and family.  Arnold and his wife Gloria cherished over forty-six years of loving and loyal marriage until Gloria’s passing in 2003

Arnold was a man of few words, known for his quiet stubbornness and tendency to keep to himself. He wasn't the type to seek out conversation or spend time in crowds. Those who took the time to look past his reserved nature discovered something unexpected.  He had a warm, thoughtful side marked by loyalty and kindness. Beneath his tough exterior was a man who cared deeply for family and friend.

Arnold will be forever remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people.  He will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Arnold is survived by his daughter Evelyn Zerenner and her husband Steve of Newark, DE, two grandchildren: Michael Zerenner, and Kaitlyn Zerenner both of Newark, DE.  He was predeceased by his wife Gloria Raquet in 2003 and by his brother Robert Raquet.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Arnold’s name may be made to the Friends of Wayne Animal Shelter PO Box 3701, Wayne, NJ 07470