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The blog content below (unless otherwise noted), has originally been posted by ROI-NJ.com. Thank you to ROI-NJ for reporting on the military sector.
This beautiful tribute of Ray Zardetto was written by ROI-NJ.
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Raymond Zardetto, a dedicated colleague, friend and leader whose impact extended across the business and military communities in New Jersey. Ray died on Oct. 8 at the age of 68.
Many of us first came to know Ray, a resident of Hamilton, during his long tenure at the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, where he served as vice president of communications and events. His efforts to support the state’s business community and foster connections made a lasting impression, and he was a trusted voice for the state’s entrepreneurs and leaders.
“Ray was someone who earned respect and gave respect. He was a great manager of people, a great organizer and a mentor to many,” said Scott Goldstein, who worked with Ray at the chamber. “He knew how to run events and knew how to delegate. He knew how to put people in positions to succeed, to give someone a job to do and let them do it. He never asked you to do anything that he couldn’t or wouldn’t do. He brought a lot of intelligence and commitment and team spirit to the chamber. He was also an old-school gentleman. He stood up to shake hands. Looked you in the eye. He was clearly aware of making sure people felt seen. He never sought credit, even when he deserved much credit.”
Following his work with the chamber, Ray was the editor of ROI-NJ’s “Military Matters” newsletter, where he passionately highlighted stories of service, resilience and dedication within the military community. His unwavering support for our armed forces, combined with his work in the corporate world, showcased his steadfast commitment to service — whether in the workplace or in the community. Ray served as the honorary commander for the United States Expeditionary Center during Major General Mark D. Camerer’s command. He was then named honorary commander emeritus. During that same time period, Ray became a board member of the Military Support Alliance of New Jersey.
“Ray was not only a consummate professional but also a true friend and an endless source of wit and inspiration to the whole ROI team,” said Tom Hughes, publisher and CEO of ROI-NJ. “He approached every challenge with a smile and an unwavering dedication that elevated everyone around him. Working with Ray was always a privilege — he went above and beyond, never without a laugh, and made even the most complex tasks seem effortless. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of kindness, professionalism, and joy will forever remain with us. And, as he would often say at the end of our conversations, ‘and one more thing,’ a reminder that with Ray, there was always one more good story, one more laugh, or one more way to make us smile.”
Gino Sciorilli, a fellow member of the Military Support Alliance and business owner, said, “I have so many stories about Ray and me, but the one that really embodies who he was comes down to the way we greeted each other each day when we spoke on the phone. The moment I saw his name pop up on my screen, I couldn’t help but smile. I’d answer, ‘Hey RaZor!’ — that was my call sign for him — ‘How’s your day going?’
“And without fail, he’d laugh and said, ‘Oh, are you kidding me? If I were doing any better, they might arrest me!’ The end of that phrase would change daily but always carry the same uplifting message. That was Ray — full of life, humor, and positivity. From there, our conversations would always turn to some new idea or project he had to help our military families and the military community as a whole. Before long, we even started dreaming up the ‘Are You Kidding Me’ campaign, all about spreading that same positive energy to the world. That greeting says it all — Ray’s endless optimism, kindness, and genuine care for everyone he met. He had a way of lifting people up without even trying.“
Among those who crossed paths with Ray was Dana Lancelloti, executive director, Monmouth-Ocean Development Council.
“Ray worked in support of our military community, particularly focused on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst where he earned an esteemed appointment as Honorary Commander,” she said. “I have been fortunate to share in this circle of long-time, tight-knit civic-military supporters and with that, Ray and I attended a multitude of events, ceremonies, tours, celebrations and air shows through the years, along with military flights and refueling missions, visiting Air Force bases in other states to learn and share the missions and stories of our men and women who serve. The extraordinary educational awareness gained from these experiences were eloquently transcribed by Ray through his work with ROI-NJ and their “Military Matters” newsletter.
“Ray was a steady adviser, generous in spirit and a very dear friend. I am privileged to have known and worked with him. He will be greatly missed.”
Ray’s professional career spanned more than 25 years in corporate communications, with senior leadership roles at Fortune 50 companies, nonprofits and professional firms. He was known for his calm presence, kindness and his talent for managing teams and elevating the strategic role of communications in every organization he served.
One former colleague from the corporate world was Pete Settles.
“I was fortunate to work with Ray at Lucent, AT&T and KPMG over the past three decades on many successful communications projects,” he said. “He was one of the most creative writers I have known but more than that, he knew how to get things done and to always deliver beyond expectations. At the same time, his quick wit and unique sense of humor always took away the stress of working on tight deadlines.”
Ray’s warmth, integrity and generosity left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him. He is survived by his beloved wife Rita, his son Joseph, and his daughter Gina Marie, whose lives he enriched with his love and unwavering support.
Ray’s legacy is one of dedication, service, selflessness and kindness — qualities that will continue to inspire all of us. We extend our deepest condolences to Rita, Joseph, Gina Marie and all who knew him. His spirit and contributions will be missed, but never forgotten.
Everyone here at ROI-NJ sends our deepest condolences to Zardetto’s family, friends and colleagues.
Statement from the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce on the passing of Ray Zardetto
We are saddened and shocked by the passing of Ray Zardetto, who was an inspiring presence and a strong leader on the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce team during his 12 years with us from 2010 to 2022. He leaves an indelible mark on the Chamber and New Jersey’s business community.
Ray cared about people and was always eager to lift others, and let them shine. He was a mentor to many young professionals at the Chamber, and was a trusted friend to countless colleagues and peers. We were fortunate to have known him – and to have worked with him.
As our vice president of communications and events, Ray was a driving force behind some of the Chamber’s most prominent initiatives. His professionalism, steady nature and dry wit made him well suited to oversee major events such as the Walk to Washington and Congressional Dinner, and the ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo, both of which convene hundreds of business and government leaders.
During Ray’s tenure, the Chamber introduced several signature events that continue to thrive today, including our annual golf outing, member holiday party, Women in Business Awards reception and a diversity awards program. He also helped elevate the Chamber’s profile by co-authoring a coffee table book on innovation commemorating New Jersey’s 350th birthday, and writing another that spotlights the state’s hidden gems.
Ray forged strong and trusted relationships with members of the New Jersey news media, helping to strengthen the Chamber’s credibility, and raise the profile of issues important to employers and the economy.
On behalf of the Chamber, Ray also built meaningful partnerships with the military, particularly at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. He was a booster of the base’s Honorary Commander Program, connecting business and military leaders to develop mutual understanding and support. Ray himself proudly served as an honorary commander and was a tireless ambassador for the base and a supporter for those who lived and worked on the base.
His passion for the military continued through retirement, as he served as writer and editor of “Military Matters,” a publication of ROI-NJ.
Ray will be deeply missed, but his legacy of innovation, collaboration, and service will continue to shape the New Jersey Chamber for years to come.
We extend our deepest condolences to Ray’s wife, Rita, and their children, Gina Marie and Joseph.
— Tom Bracken, president & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
Newly refurbished Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Museum is worth trip to Holmdel
by Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on August 14, 2024
New landscaping helps augment the elegant grounds of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial adjacent to the museum.
Cathedral of the Air celebrates aviation history with stained glass windows
by Susan Moriarty, JBMDL
originally posted on Defense Visual Information Distribution Service on August 5, 2024
Photo By Susan Moriarty | Cathedral of the Air, a nearly century-old chapel styled in Norman-Gothic architecture, stands out from its surroundings in Lakehurst, N.J., July 25, 2024. Located near Naval Support Activity Lakehurst’s main gate, the chapel contains 18 unique stained glass windows displaying the history of aviation along with other poignant moments in American history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Susan Moriarty)
Companies emphasize ease of transition for potential military hires at Joint Base job fair
by Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on July 31, 2024
Job seekers meet with potential employers at the annual Hiring Our Heroes Career Day at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce works to help those with unique business challenges
by Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on July 31, 2024
Jaime Chapman is a co-founder and is now chief operating officer of the Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce. – Photos courtesy Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce
Academic ‘boot camps’ make transitioning military members ready for demands of higher ed and post-military career success
by Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on August 14, 2024
A Warrior-Scholar Project boot camp class. – Photos courtesy Warrior-Scholar Project
Breaking the silence: Erasing stigma of seeking help for substance-use disorders in military
by: (South Amboy)
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on July 3, 2024
LeoDante Ognibene is CEO at Recovery Centers of America at Raritan Bay. – Recovery Centers of America
Fourth of July: A time for celebration — and consideration for veterans and military families
by: (New Jersey)
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on July 3, 2024
Photo credit: ROI-nj.com
BofA gives $50K grant to Community Hope to help assist veterans who are homeless or suffering from mental illness
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on July 3, 2024
Alberto Garofalo of Bank of America. – File photo
Combat the Silence: How Blue Star Families is confronting stigma around mental health
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on July 3, 2024
ROI-nj.com File photo
Hundreds greet Battleship New Jersey on its return to Camden Waterfront
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on July 3, 2024
Photo credit: ROI-nj.com
How to help children of military families with back-to-school supplies
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on July 3, 2024
Operation Homefront
‘Do AC’ does for military and veterans: Exclusive discounts for summer (and beyond) at casinos and hotels
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on July 3, 2024
Photo credit: ROI-nj.com
Mays to assume role as next commissioner of N.J. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on June 28, 2024
Col. Yvonne Mays will serve as acting adjutant general and commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs until her confirmation to the permanent role. – New Jersey Air National Guard
Explosive Ordnance Disposal squad: Yes, N.J. has one — and it’s used more often than you’d think
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on June 19, 2024
During a training session focused on neutralizing explosive weapons that would be found on a battlefield, members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst lay thermite devices on a simulated land mine. – Courtesy photos
‘It was amazing how quickly you transition to the lifesaving training’
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on June 19, 2024
Master Sgt. David Gerig is part of the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Explosive Ordinance Disposal team. – Courtesy photos
Joint Base MDL joins forces with N.J. Forest Fire Service to attack growing threat of wildfires in Pinelands
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on June 19, 2024
Firefighters manage a “controlled burn” in the Pinelands, a tactic that helps prevent wildfires. – Courtesy photos
Insurance companies offer advice for wildfire season
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on June 19, 2024
A wildfire in the Pinelands in April 2023 became known as the Jimmy’s Waterhole Fire. – Courtesy photo
Citizens contributes $50K grant to GI Go Fund
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on June 19, 2024
The check presentation to the GI Go Fund. – GI Go Fund
Hiring Our Heroes career day coming to Joint Base
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on June 19, 2024
Photos courtesy Hiring Our Heroes
Special perks for military families, from counseling to free museums
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on June 19, 2024
Dillon Marcus has been donating weekly professional counseling services and training for the volunteers at Sean’s Room since October 2023. – Courtesy photo
Star-Spangled Babies: Operation Homefront program aids expecting military parents (SLIDESHOW)
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on June 19, 2024
Photo credit: ROI-nj.com
NJ Bankers hosting financial literacy workshop for veterans on Wednesday in Forked River
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on June 5, 2024
Photo credit: ROI-NJ.com
Governor cuts ribbon on new Veterans Service Office in Union County
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on June 5, 2024
Gov. Phil Murphy meets with veterans at the ceremony for the opening of the new Veterans Service Office. – Facebook/Gov. Phil Murphy
OpEd – Survey results are clarion call to support military families — it’s national security priority
by: Gino Sciorilli
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on June 5, 2024
Gino Sciorilli is the president of the board of directors for the Military Support Alliance of New Jersey.
Run or walk (in person or virtually) to raise funds for Community Hope’s service programs for veterans
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on June 5, 2024
Photo credit: ROI-NJ.com
New CEO rigs Battleship New Jersey for new kind of fight
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on June 5, 2024
Photo credit: Tom Hughes/ROI-NJ.com
M&T Bank launches statewide food drive to support military families
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on June 5, 2024
Photo credit: ROI-NJ.com
‘Those things we honor and those things we share as Americans’
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on June 5, 2024
Memorial Day ceremonies took place all across the state, including the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Museum. – Courtesy photos ROI-NJ.com
Businesses supporting the military: South Jersey Industries collects 3,000 pounds of food for military families
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on June 5, 2024
South Jersey Industries workers with some of the food collected. Photo credit: ROI-NJ.com
Memorial Day: Remember our past — our future depends on it
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on May 22, 2024
Photo credit: ROI-NJ.com
Thanking military children for the enormous sacrifices they make
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on May 22, 2024
Photo credit: ROI-NJ.com
Looking for workers? Hiring military spouses (on site or remote) could be solution
by: Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on May 16, 2024
Photo courtesy of the Strong Family
Vietnam Veterans Memorial and renovated museum reopens in Holmdel
by Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on May 14, 2024
Photo credit: ROI-NJ.com
New virtual courses for starting, growing business offered exclusively for active military and veterans…
by Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on May 6, 2024
Photo credit: ROI-NJ.com
Military families ‘Purple Up’ to celebrate Month of the Military Child
by Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on May 3, 2024
The “Purple Up Day” event in Pemberton. – Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund. ROI-NJ.com
Blue Star Families survey shows growing number who serve would not recommend life in…
by Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on May 2, 2024
Being away from home is one of the top issues identified by military families in the latest military quality-of-life survey conducted by Blue Star Families. ROI-NJ.com
American hero among us: A salute to Archie Fagan on his passing
by Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on April 26, 2024
Archie Fagan, an American hero, has passed away. – Courtesy photos ROI-NJ.com
Sean’s Room: How Joint Base is working to combat suicides in military
by Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on February 20, 2024
Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, right, and Senior Airman Connor Runkle at the opening of Sean’s Room at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in October 2023. – Courtesy photos
Purpose project: Why becoming honorary commander at joint base is so fulfilling
by Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on January 22, 2024
Photo Credit: ROI-NJ.com
The surprising battle many military families in N.J. face daily: Food insecurity
by Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on November 9, 2023
Photo Credit: ROI-NJ.com
Memorial Day Weekend 2023: How Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst remains vital to N.J.’s economy —…
by Ray Zardetto
originally posted on ROI-NJ.com on May 26, 2023
Photo Credit: ROI-NJ.com
