Raymond Vladyka

Raymond Vladyka, aged 81, of Wayne, passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2024.

Ray grew up in Elmwood Park, NJ and was part of the first graduating class in the newly built East Paterson High School. Ray was never much of a dancer but one fateful night his friends convinced him to attend the CYO dance which turned out to be one of the best decisions he ever made. He met the love of his life, Phyllis Salerno, at that dance and the two immediately hit it off. The couple started dating and never stopped. After graduation, Ray continued his education at Montclair College where he went on to graduate with a BA in Industrial Arts. Once Ray finished college, he and Phyllis decided they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. They married after 6 years of dating on August 21, 1965. Ray and Phyllis bought their first home in Fairlawn, where they were blessed with two sons: David and Brian. Not long after, in 1973, they moved to Wayne and their family grew by one more with the birth of their daughter Susan. 

Ray was a middle school woodshop teacher in Hackensack for 37 ½ years. A lifelong learner, Ray continued his education while teaching by earning a masters plus extra credits in Industrial Arts. Besides playing high school varsity soccer, he played semi-pro for a short time for the Dover Club in Paterson, NJ. Ray then merged his passion for the sport with his passion for educating by becoming a soccer coach at Hackensack High School. He loved coaching and didn’t miss the opportunity to coach both of his sons’ soccer and baseball teams at the Wayne PAL.

Ray had a love for travel and went around the country and the world with his wife and family. Ray and Phyllis’ early travels were in a pop-up camper with their children to many places including Disney World. Their later travels included Alaska, Hawaii, Italy, Germany, England, the Canadian Rockies, Nova Scotia, and Iceland. They went on many cruises including the Panama Canal. They also did river cruises in Russia and on the Danube River.  Ray and Phyllis made annual trips to visit his sister, Kathleen and her husband Lou, in Florida to catch up and play golf. 

Ray’s career of industrial arts was also a passion of his and he would often create handmade items to gift to friends or family. A true craftsman and handyman, Ray was always there to help with any project or renovation his family or friends had. He passed on his love of fine craftsmanship ensuring that his family always looked for good quality wood and dovetails in all their furniture purchases. 

Ray loved fishing, golfing, and cars. He enjoyed taking care of his own cars, but was also an avid fan of the professional drivers of NASCAR. He watched NASCAR on tv and went on trips to watch the sport live at Dover Downs in Delaware.  Ray even got to experience the speed and thrill of driving a race car himself as a retirement gift from his family. 

Ray was the type of man that any person felt comfortable coming to for help. Whether you were family, a friend, or a neighbor, he was always willing to lend a helping hand. While he could be stubborn at times, he had a huge soft spot for his grandkids who he loved so much. Ray was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who will be greatly missed by all those who were fortunate to know him. 

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis, his three children: David and his wife Lisa (Seattle, WA), Brian and his wife Jennifer (Phoenix, AZ), and Susan and her husband Tom (Wayne, NJ). Ray was also the loving grandfather of Hope, Justine, Hailey, and Kayla as well as a loving brother to his sister Kathleen and her husband Lou (Florida).

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions in Raymond’s name to the Wayne PAL or the Wayne Interfaith Network food pantry