Raymond John Dee

He was born on July 28, 1943, in Amarillo, Texas, grew up in Hoboken and New Milford, New Jersey and raised his family in Montclair, Palm Desert, CA, and North Caldwell, New Jersey.

Ray graduated from Bergen Catholic High School before continuing his education at Seton Hall University and later earning a graduate degree from New York University.

Throughout his life, he was deeply committed to learning, teaching, and helping others succeed.

His professional career spanned both education and business. He began his career in education as an English professor at William Patterson College.

He then left the field and worked as the entertainment director for YPO. After several years at YPO, he then shifted to hotel industry as manager of La Quinta Hotel in La Quinta, CA. After years in CA, Ray returned to New Jersey and founded a transportation company, Select Carriers. Through hard work, vision, and determination, he built the company into a successful enterprise that continues to thrive today. Ray approached every endeavor with enthusiasm, intelligence, and a remarkable gift for connecting with people.

Above all else, Ray adored his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Marylou Dee; his children, Gabriel Dee and Jennifer Dee Leibman; their spouses, Jennifer Dee and Edward Leibman; and his cherished grandchildren, Zach Leibman, Maggie Dee, Sam Leibman, and Raymond Dee, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

He is also survived by his siblings, Joanne Field, Jack Dee, and Kate Kay, as well as dozens of cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends all of whom he loved dearly. Ray nurtured close relationships throughout his life and treasured every opportunity to spend time with those he loved.

Ray will be remembered for his generosity, warmth, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. He possessed a tremendous sense of humor, an infectious laugh, a keen intellect, and magnetic charisma, as well a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued. He embraced life fully and found joy in both its everyday moments and its greatest adventures.

He loved nature, reading, traveling, gardening, his dogs, gathering with family and friends, and creating lasting memories wherever he went. Whether sharing a story, offering a helping hand, or making others laugh, Ray brought light, kindness, and joy to those around him.

His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the family he adored, and the memories that will continue to bring comfort, laughter, and inspiration to all who knew him.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Ray’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Church of the Presentation, 271 W. Saddle River Rd., Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458, on June 12, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, with a livestream available below in the link.