Mr. Raymond Charles Gramkow

Raymond Charles Gramkow, a longtime resident of River Edge, and formerly of Weehawken, NJ passed away peacefully at home on January 12, 2016 with his family by his side. Raymond was the devoted husband of Nancy Gramkow (Pesce) for 62 years, beloved father of Ellen Nickerson and husband James Nickerson, Janis Agresta and husband Joseph Agresta, and Celia Riggio and husband John Riggio. He was also the loving grandfather to Elizabeth Briganti and husband Salvatore Briganti, Danielle Nickerson and fiancé David Broadbent , Katherine Curran and husband Lawrence Curran, Thomas Agresta, Grace Agresta, Olivia Riggio, and Anabel Riggio. Raymond was also blessed with two great granddaughters, Mia Rose Briganti and Ava Rose Briganti, as well as many nieces and nephews. Raymond proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, 1st Marine Division, during the Korean War from 1951 -1954. A Certified Public Accountant, Raymond was the founding partner of Gramkow, Carnevale, Seifert & Co. in Oradell NJ, and a Professor and Professor Emeritus at Ramapo College of New Jersey. Raymond's enthusiasm and love for his profession, learning, and his hobbies have been truly inspiring to all who knew him. In the early days of R.E.G.A.L. he coached his daughters’ softball and basketball teams. He served as the President of the Bergen County Chapter of the New Jersey Society of CPAs, and was Commandant of the Marine Corps League's Gooney Bird Detachment, where he led a very successful scholarship program. He was also honored as Marine of the Year in 2000. Raymond received a B.S. in Accounting from Rutgers University and his MBA from Farleigh Dickenson University. Raymond set an example for his family and friends in every way. His favorite past times included travel, golf and spending time at the Jersey Shore, where he has left a legacy for his family in Brigantine, NJ. He was also a longtime parishioner of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in River Edge. Family and friends are invited to visit Friday 2-4 & 7-9PM at the Volk Leber Funeral Home, 268 Kinderkamack Rd., Oradell. Funeral service Saturday 9AM from the funeral home then to St. Peter the Apostle RC Church, River Edge for a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment to follow at Fairview Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations in Raymond’s memory to the Marine Corps League, Gooney Bird Detachment #434 Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1775, New Milford, NJ 07646 or to Compassionate Care Foundation 137 Broad St., Suite 309, Clifton, NJ 07013 would be appreciated. Visit Raymond’s memorial tribute page at www.volkleber.com.