Obituary of Raymond Calvert

Ray Calvert, 90, died peacefully on September 17, 2014 at The Gardens at Monroe, Monroe Twp. Ray was born on April 28, 1924 in Pittsburgh, PA and was the eldest of nine children. Ray left school early to take a job in a cookie factory to help support his family, but when war broke out, he joined the United States Marines Corps in 1942. Ray served in the 3rd Marine Division and proudly served his country in the South Pacific. He served in Guadalcanal and the invasion of Guam, receiving a Purple Heart with 2 gold stars. When Ray returned home from serving his country, he did not allow his lack of formal education to slow him down in his pursuit of a career with John Hancock. He convinced the company executives to take him on as a temporary employee. Ray went to work soliciting business door to door, all the while studying how to be an effective salesman. Over the next thirty four years, Ray's self-instruction took him from temporary to full time salesman to sales manager to district manager to field vice president. During his career he opened John Hancock agencies in New York, New Brunswick, NJ, North Carolina, Virginia and Florida. After his retirement, Ray became a consultant and motivational speaker. He mentored many successful people, even in his last years. Forty years ago, Ray and his wife (Florence Calvert), moved to Rossmoor, Monroe Township, NJ. They were one of the original families to move there. They often spent winters in Florida, but Ray still remained in the house they bought together. Ray recently celebrated his 90th birthday with over 100 friends and family. "I've had a good life, thank God, with no regrets." - Ray Calvert Ray is preceded in death by his loving wife Florence Calvert (2012), seven brothers and one sister. Ray is survived by his daughter Patricia Mitchell and her husband William of Houston, TX and a granddaughter Sara Bushell and her husband Brent of Houston, TX. Also surviving are many extended family members and friends. Since Ray devoted his life to helping other people, in lieu of other remembrances, please consider a donation to a cause you believe will help someone else or to the Salvation Army – www.salvationarmyusa.org or Trenton Soup Kitchen – www.trentonsoupkitchen.org. Visitation will be from 9-10:15am on Monday September 22, 2014 at the funeral home. Funeral services will begin at 10:15am on Monday September 22, 2014 at the M. David DeMarco Funeral Home – 205 Rhode Hall Rd., Monroe Twp., NJ 08831 – 732-521-0555. A funeral liturgy will be celebrated at 11am at Nativity of Our Lord RC Church – Monroe Twp. followed by entombment in Holy Cross Burial Park Mausoleum – South Brunswick.