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Hyde, Raymond “Ray” originally of Franklin, NJ passed away peacefully on August 14, 2023 at the Lakes of Litchfield Assisted Living in Pawley’s Island, SC at the remarkable age of 108. At the time of his death, he was reportedly the 15th oldest male in the United States. Raymond James Hyde was born on August 1, 1915 in Ogdensburg, NJ to loving parents James C. and Alice D. (McEntee) and was the eldest of four children. After his early years in Ogdensburg, his family moved to Franklin, NJ where he would spend most of his life. He was a member of the 1933 graduating class of Franklin High School of which he was Senior Class President. He served as Municipal Clerk, Tax Assessor, a member of the Franklin Board of Education, Town Councilman and Mayor of Franklin over his many years as a Franklin resident. He served his country in World War II as a member the United States Army in the Asia Pacific stationed in Yokohama, Japan and was a member of the Franklin branch of the American Legion until his death. A devout Catholic, Ray was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church from his baptism until his relocation to South Carolina and then a member of St. Michael’s Parish in Murrells Inlet, SC. He was employed at Selected Risk, as well as at Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, NJ. However, Ray’s favorite occupation was Manger of the Franklin Theater. The movie business was his true passion. He began working in the Franklin Theater while in high school at the age of 17 during the time of silent pictures. He became a full time employee upon his graduation from high school, only leaving the business during his war service, returning in 1946 in the manager role. Ray later took ownership of the business in March, 1957 until it’s closure in 1976. In 1977, Ray joined the Sparta Theater as Manager until 1988, when Ray and Helen retired to Murrells Inlet, SC. Shortly thereafter he took a job taking tickets at the Litchfield Inlet Square Theater, later a Regal Cinema, a job he held until he fully retired just shy of his 90th birthday. When not working, Ray loved to travel. He enjoyed trips to Europe, Ireland, California and various destinations across the U.S. to visit family and friends. However, the trips he enjoyed the most were the many he made to CT to visit his son, David and his family. Raymond is preceded in death by his parents James and Alice, his siblings and their spouses, William (Hazel), Robena (Gilbert Snyder)/Clarence) McKeeby, and Janet (Steve) Oryzysyn and the love of his life, his wife of 62 years, Helen “Helena” (Scovern), as well as many beloved sister and brother- in- laws, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He is survived by his loving son, David and daughter-in-law Mary Ann of Shelton, CT; his grandchildren Kathryn Soldi (Bill) of Ashland, MA and Kristine of Boston, MA; his great-grandchildren, William Soldi of Ashland, MA and Kayla Soldi of Chicago, IL; and numerous nephews, nieces, extended family and dear friends. Friends and family are invited to attend the visitation at the F. John Ramsey Funeral home at 1 Main Street, Franklin NJ on Wednesday, August 23 from 4-7PM. A funeral mass celebrated by the Rev. Martin Glynn will be held at the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church at 75 Church Street, Franklin, NJ on Thursday, August 24 at 10:00AM. Interment will be at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery on North Church Road, Franklin, NJ. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate or mailed to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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Raymond "Ray" Hyde

August 1, 1915 - August 14, 2023