- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
Raymond “Nick” Neamand Jr.
Standing at the altar at the First Moravian Church in Riverside, his wife, Bonnie was shocked to learn she was marrying a man named Ray. She’d always known him as Nick. Half the nieces and nephews called him Uncle Ray; the other half Uncle Nick. Still, after 34 years of marriage, the real origin of his name is still a mystery. Growing up in Beverly, Raymond secured lifelong friendships and a deep bond with his siblings. Friends and family all relied on Ray’s self taught mechanical skills. If a car wouldn’t start or you needed a special tool, there was little doubt where you were going. He had an impact as a coach: the kids he worked with in the 70’s still kept in touch with him to this day. Come Sunday his home was packed with kids watching the films from the games he coached or Sunday NFL games. Ray was the cool parent; all of his son’s friends would get a kick out of hearing him tell the stories he usually kept from his children. He had a lifelong love of playful teasing. He had little mercy for the younger guys in his football pool. His team name said it all: “Taking Money.” Seems he always had a camera in his hand shooting everything from aquariums to the moon to team pictures for the kids he coached. He had a way of making other people break the rules for him: his daughter-in-law was known for smuggling candy and Boost to him. He not only had a perfect Christmas tree every year (a light on every branch) but he’d go out of his way to fix yours as well, attaching extra branches and even screwing it to the wall if that’s what it took. Though he was always a terrific dad his kids preferred “Vacation Dad.” That was the dad who gave you anything you want. It wasn’t hard to get him to the beach especially in Florida.
Raymond was an active member of the Beverly Athletic Club for over 45 years. He was a member if the local VFV 3020, 328th MP Company Family Readiness Group and a lifetime member of Beverly Fire Company No. 1.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children Melissa Rae and Matt (Jackie); siblings, Jean (Butch) Horton, Allan (Carolyn), Sherry Leeds and Donna (Chip) Van Auken. In-laws, Peggy, Tracie, Brian, Gary and Mark. Many dearly loved nieces and nephews and his best friend, Daisy.
Come celebrate 66 great years, Sunday 2-3 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 501 Morgan Ave., Palmyra NJ where there will be a service at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Epworth United Methodist Church, 501 Morgan Ave., Palmyra NJ.
4 Comments
I love Nick–but to say it was a set–Nick and Bonnie–their love for each other could be seen when i met them in 1991–I cannot believe he is gone-though I know he has been fighting for quite a bit of time-the father needed him more–he was amazing-funny-patient-forgiving—Bonnie also loving funny and so giving-to Bonnie-I hope you know he is in a better place-and Bonnie I wish you peace–to their children-I want the best for you with Uncle Nicks guidance -I know he is proud of you two—love you all-Eileen
I am sorry–I met Nick in 2001–very sorry
Nick, my buddy, my 2nd dad, my computer guy, mover….I’ll miss you. We shared such amazing memories over my 27 years that I knew you…you, Bonnie, Matt and Melissa were always my ‘family.’ We have no blood, but never seemed to matter. If I have learned anything the past 27 years it is the family doesn’t have to be blood and sometimes the bond is stronger with people that are not blood related. I always loved coming to your house as a kid, teenager …the Neamands always had the BEST COOKIES! You have moved me to Florida, to NJ, out of college after a few days of staying…I am so blessed and thankful that I got to have you in my life And more thankful that your family let my parents and I visit you last week- your last ‘I love you’ will be in my mind and heart forever
…I’ll see you at the beach. love you always……….
“There’ll be two dates on your tombstone and all your friends will read them. But all that is going to matter is that little dash between them.”
Today family and friends will gather to mourn, pray and celebrate the life of Nick.
It was so difficult last Sunday saying our final good bye knowing we would never hear his
laughter or see his smiling face again.
The Neamonds & Dickersons have shared 40 + years together. Sharing our own weddings, births
of our children, birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, vacations, illness & death of our parents
and thousands of get togethers.
To Bonnie so sorry for your pain, we love you and our home and hearts will always be open for you.
To Melissa & Matt your Daddy loves you so much. He was so proud of both of you. Whenever
he spoke of you his eyes lit up and there was a smile on his face.
Nick will truly be missed and we will cherish our sweet memories of him.