A beloved father, grandfather, and friend to many, Raymond “Ray” Peters of Howell, NJ, passed away Wednesday, December 21, 2022, with his family by his side. Born in Engelwood, N.J., he was one of three children born to the late Henry and Helen Peters.

Ray grew up in the Freewood Acres area of Howell Township and graduated from Lakewood High School in 1957. He enlisted in the US Army in 1961 and became a member of the newly formed 11th Air Assault Division at Fort Benning, Georgia, which combined light infantry with integral helicopter transport and air support. During this time, Ray was deployed to Germany and taught South Vietnam soldiers to rappel from helicopters.

After his military career, Ray returned to Howell, where he built his life and started his career. As a licensed master well driller, he started his own business “Ray’s Well Drilling and Service” in the mid 1970’s. Ray operated his business until the age of 81, when he retired.

Ray's greatest joys were spending time with his family, riding his Harley, and driving his 1956 Chevy Nomad.

He is predeceased by the love of his life, Eleanor Wernerspach, his sister Rosalie Pepe, and his aunt Helen Loeb. He is survived by his children, Toni Baldanzi (Stephen), Andrew Peters (Michael Roche), and Jessica Nathan (Scott); his stepson Vincent Wernerspach (Rebecca Slutter); six grandchildren, Alexander Baldanzi, Joseph Baldanzi, Cooper Nathan, Matthew Wernerspach, Brienna Wernerspach, Chase Wernerspach; as well as his brother, Robert Peters.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 28th from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Lakewood Funeral Home, 6250 US-9 Howell Township, NJ 07731. A prayer service will be held on Thursday, December 29th at 11 AM followed by burial at Atlantic View Cemetery, Manasquan. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Fisher House Foundation, which helps military and veteran families stay free of charge while loved one are in the hospital.  https://fisherhouse.org .