Raymond B. Bentley
Died: Nov 15, 2017
Raymond B. Bentley, 82, of Long Valley passed away peacefully on November 15, 2017 at Hackettstown Medical Center, Hackettstown, NJ surrounded by his loved ones. Born July 31, 1935 in Elizabeth, NJ, Raymond was the son of the late Earle Bentley and Theresa (Proffe) Bentley.
Raymond was the proud owner of Adam Metal Products Company in Ledgewood, NJ since 1976. He loved woodworking, antique collecting, and restoring antique trucks. He also had a passion for military and World War II memorabilia, and the New York Yankees. Raymond was an entertaining storyteller with an incredible sense of humor. He was compassionate, generous, and will be deeply missed by his loving family, friends, and employees.
He is pre-deceased by his brother Edward Bentley. Surviving are his beloved daughter Barbara (Bentley) Stoken and her husband Craig Stoken; his son Lawrence Bentley and his wife Amie Bentley; two grandsons, Garrett and Parker Stoken; a niece Jennifer Bentley and her son Nate Orlando.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 20th from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Funeral services will also be at Cochran Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 21st at 11 AM followed by interment at Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 or at woundedwarriorproject.org. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com/
Condolences:
Donny Wall
#6
November 21st, 2017 12:13 pm
Dear Bentley family, You are in the thoughts and prayers of the entire Bill Brown Sales family. I personally enjoyed working with Ray over the last 15 years. I have enjoyed representing the company he built and I loved his passion for life. God Bless Donny Wall
Colin McKay
#5
November 21st, 2017 8:52 am
Dear Bentley Family, Sorry to hear of your loss but one must believe that he will always be 'there' in spirit, especially when you'll need him. My mind pops to a memory of your dad, Larry and me driving back to Cranford. We are at a red light and we see a building that says 'Tony's Pizza'. Larry and I, as insensitive teenagers, began laughing at this. As in, "Of course, it's 'Tony', haha, yeah, I'm Tony and I make Pizza, haha." Then your Dad - all cool and calm - simply said something to effect of, "Hey, that a man's business who probably works hard and that his name and what's so funny about that? Have some respect!" I never forget that! Because I instantly got what he was saying and I felt so silly (but not mad) just...a lesson learned.
Hermes Knauer
#4
November 20th, 2017 8:34 pm
An enthusiast of history and its relics, Ray was a proud American who lived in his belief.
Hermes Knauer
His friend Don LaMort passes along this message: he is saddened by the news of Ray's passing, and will always cherish their many years of conversations.
Steven, Sienna, and Danielle Klein
#3
November 20th, 2017 10:58 am
We are so sorry to hear of this. So many fantastic memories growing up on Gallows Hill Road and from working with your dad to even getting a short role in a film thanks to that tank he owned. Now begins the celebration of life, the memories and the impact he had. -Steven, Sienna, Danielle Klein
Keith T. Bender
#2
November 18th, 2017 6:08 pm
Dear Larry, Barbara and family. I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I've known Ray for a little over 12 years and in that time he became a friend through our business together. Ray had a found taste for collecting ship models and i became his primary builder for that time. With your dad I could suggest a ship he may like and which he usually did, then I would proceed to build it for him. The best part of building a model for your dad was when he would see it for the first time. He would really light up and i seen much joy come from him and even in his later years he would still enjoy a new model. I will miss your father as a friend. Business is business but a good friend is better.
Dave Natale
#1
November 18th, 2017 1:26 pm
Ray was one good guy and I am happy that I knew him.When I would visit we would talk about many different things,antique trucks,guns,military vehicles,aircraft,ships old and new and collectables of all kinds.Ray knew alot about all of them and I learned from him.His truck shows at Adams Metal were some of my favorite shows.I will miss"Mr.Winchester". Dave Natale
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