Ray Lalley passed away Tuesday, April 14 in Bethlehem, PA at the age of 82 with his wife Beverly at his side. Ray was born on April 1, 1938 in Washington, NJ to Raymond Patrick Lalley and Ella Ruth (nee Parr) Lalley. He was predeceased by his first wife Joyce in 1981, and by his daughter Sara Jane in 1998. He is survived by his wife Beverly of Belvidere, NJ, his daughter Audra Mallow (husband Michael) of Pacific Palisades, CA, his brothers Jim (wife Sharon) of Belvidere, NJ and Barry of Paupau, New Guinea. He also leaves Bev’s three children, Guy Patton (wife Debbie), Sally Busher (husband Steve) and Holly Westra (husband Harmen), six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was a teacher, coach, sports official, guidance counselor and vice principal for nearly 40 years.

Ray and his brothers grew up playing baseball prolifically, and helping their parents in their butcher/grocery shop, Gibson Park Market, in Oxford, NJ. Ray played baseball through college at East Stroudsburg State University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education at East Stroudsburg and his masters in guidance at Seton Hall University. Ray enjoyed traveling the US with his family and in his later years, he traveled extensively with his wife Beverly, both in the US and abroad. They enjoyed new experiences as well as spending time with family and friends. They became enthusiastic bowlers in several leagues and were particular about their bowling apparel, their personalized bowling balls, and their scores.

Ray began his career teaching sixth grade at Chester Middle School, then “graduated” to high schools including Franklin, West Morris Central, Randolph, Silver Lake (Kingston, Massachusetts), Voorhees, and finally Warren Hills. He served as guidance counselor to thousands of kids before becoming a vice principal at the end of his career. Among those he counseled to successful college experiences is his daughter Audra. He helped her find William & Mary, which became extremely important to both of them. He coached high school baseball and football when he was a young teacher and counselor, and he coached his daughters in softball for a lot of years, helping them earn championships in NJ and MA. He was also an avid tennis player for many years. Ray officiated high school and college football, basketball and baseball for nearly four decades, and had the stories to prove it.

Everyone who knew Ray knew where he stood. He loved the Brooklyn Dodgers, especially Gil Hodges. When pressed for a middle name, which he didn’t have, he always said “Gil.” He loved the Mets, which was often evident by his fashion choices. He loved his country, and was never shy to discuss it. He loved God and was a regular church-goer. He had a quick smile and an easy laugh, and was relentless with his teasing and his picture-taking. His voicemail ended with “Stay strong; stay happy.”

Ray was as active member of Harmony Presbyterian Church and was often heard saying “God bless America,“ and “keep smiling.” Details will be provided regarding a memorial service and a Celebration of Life, both of which will be held when possible. Online condolences may be offered at www.jamesfuneralhome.org.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s memory to Harmony Presbyterian Church, 2727 Belvidere Rd., Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 or to William & Mary: https://impact.wm.edu/rlalley