Kenneth (Ken) Edwin Raymond passed away unexpectedly of natural causes in his home on May 7, 2025 at the age of 56. He was born in Morristown New Jersey to Edwin S. Raymond and Constance (Miller) Raymond. He was raised by Edwin and his second wife Patricia (Levy) Raymond after the death of Constance. 

Ken was the youngest of five children and the only boy in our blended family. He is survived by his sisters Carol (Cary) Sax, Leslie Doughtery, Pamela (Pam) Pracher, Kimberly (Kim) Celeste, his fiance Gina Lyons, and her three adult children (Rita, Jack and Michael).  He also leaves behind 3 brothers-in-law, 10 nieces and nephews, and 5 great nieces and nephews.

After studying at the Culinary Institute of America, Ken pursued a long and successful career as a chef in the restaurant and catering industry. Ken started his career working with renowned chefs Wolfgang Puck and Mark Miller. Ken began working for Growth Industries in New Jersey in 1995. During his 30 years with Growth, Ken worked at many of their restaurants as well as their catering business as a valuable asset. He was quoted in Culinary Edge magazine as saying, “My goal is to always be reaching, pushing and challenging myself in the kitchen to do more”.

In addition to his passion for cooking, Ken was an avid golfer. Ken was a lifelong Dallas Cowboy, New York Yankees and New York Rangers fan. He had a great sense of humor and wasn’tabove a good prank on his family and friends. Ken was very compassionate and was always there when support was needed, sharing his life experiences to help others. The last 4 years have been some of the happiest for Ken, delighted to have found true love with his fiance and best friend, Gina.  

Ken met Gina on Thanksgiving Day 2020.  There was an instant connection and they both recalled that it was love at first sight and they knew that they had both met “their person”.  Ken and Gina were passionate about cooking and baking.  Their favorite thing to do together was to cook for family and friends.  They had planned to be married in October 2025 and spent the last 8 months planning their dream wedding. 

Ken found a special place in his heart for Gina’s children, Rita, Jack and Michael.  He loved them deeply and found so much joy spending time with them and being a part of their lives.

Ken had achieved 15 years of sobriety and he was so proud of his recovery journey.  He inspired others through his service and by living his best life every day.  Others often commented that they loved Ken's sense of humor and his positive outlook on life.  Ken was cherished dearly in life and he will be missed by all.

Visitation will be held at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ on Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 3 to 7pm.  Funeral Service will be held at All Saints Church, 15 Basking Ridge Road  Millington, NJ on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 10am.  A private repast will be held for the family following the service.  A private interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity House, a sober living community in Stirling, NJ that houses and supports men in early stages of recovery for up to a year. They help transition men in recovery into a permanent and safe environment. Ken was a big supporter of this community and is well known among its residents.  The men of Trinity House would be grateful to receive support in memory of Ken.

Checks can be made out to “Trinity House” with “Ken Raymond” in the memo line and mailed to:  Trinity House, 1292 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ 07980.