Raymond Hayek

It is with great sadness to announce that Raymond Hayek passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, surrounded by his family. Raymond was born in Paterson, NJ, to the late James and Jean (Aboyoun) Hayek on February 1, 1931. Raymond was a lifelong resident of NJ and a devoted member of Saint Ann’s Melkite Catholic Church in Paterson, NJ.

Raymond grew up and attended school in Paterson where he also worked on the looms at his father’s silk mills for many years, including wartime. As a young adult he opened a luncheonette with his brother, and later several dry cleaners, including Elegant Valet Cleaners in River Edge, NJ. Raymond was an expert tailor, spotter, and presser, whose skills improved any garment he touched.

A generous man, Raymond loved his immediate and extended family and tirelessly lent his hand to support his loved ones. He loved Arabic music and Syrian culture and was a great cook. Some of his best times were bowling with his Godson, in-laws, and friends, and watching the Yankees. As a young man Raymond enjoyed traveling to Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt with friends from the church.

Raymond is pre-deceased by his parents, Jean and James Hayek; his wife, JoAnn (Capaccio) Hayek; his sister and brother-in-law, Dolores and Alfred Kattine; his brother and sister-in-law, George and Evelyn Hayek; his brother-in-law, Joe Tahan; and his nephew, Kenneth Tahan.

Raymond is survived by his daughters Sherri Devaney and Jeanine Hayek; his sons-in-law, Mark Devaney and Michael Pettineo; his grandsons, Sean and Jeremy Devaney; his sister, Shirley Tahan; and his nieces and nephews, Gregg (Godson) and Michele Kattine; Kevin and Linda Kattine; Debra (Kattine) and Kenneth Caruso; Denise (Tahan) and Gerald Macrae; Jeffrey Tahan; Donna Hayek; and James and Valerie Hayek.

The Visitation/Wake will be at Saint Ann’s Melkite Catholic Church in Woodland Park, NJ, on September 12, 2023, from 4pm to 8pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on September 13, 2023, at 10am, followed by a repast to be announced. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be directed to Saint Ann’s Melkite Catholic Church, Woodland Park, NJ 07424, or to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.