Richard Joseph Traynor

Richard (“Dick”) was born November 14, 1928 and raised in Summit, NJ with his seven siblings. He graduated from Summit High School and was the first in his family to graduate from college, St. Francis Xavier in Nova Scotia, CAN, where he was Valedictorian and President of the Student Body his senior year. He founded and built a successful tree surgery business before deciding to enter Seton Hall Law School. Dick met the love of his life, Patricia (“Pat”) Liddy, at St. Theresa’s young adults’ group and before long they were married and stationed in Germany while Dick was serving in the Army. Dick and Pat raised their seven children in New Providence, Chester and Mendham, NJ.

Dick was always involved in politics, including serving on the town council in New Providence Borough, and even running for Congress in 1964. He also served as a judge for many years. He was very committed to many Catholic causes especially the Right to Life movement to which he contributed a great deal of time and effort. He often used his legal background to try and protect the unborn and innocent. He had one case go before the Supreme Court of the New Jersey. He stayed engaged and passionate in the cause well into his eighties.

Dick was full of vitality – he had abundant energy and loved life. He sought the outdoors and nature, taking the family hiking in the White Mountains or to LBI in summer, and skiing in Vermont with cousins in the winter. He was very focused on healthy living including nutrition and staying physically active throughout his life. He was well known in his later years in Maine for swimming in Casco Bay until October and always walking the neighborhood.

Dick was happiest though when he was with family and friends. He loved hearing another grandchild or great grandchild was on the way. He loved the holidays and annually presided over Thanksgiving with a lengthy poem written to include all family members. His amazing spirit and zest for life will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving family including his children - Mary Kay Waters (Jim Waters), Liza Pajak (Mike Pajak), Sarah Traynor (Mike Derrey), John Traynor (Liz Traynor), Sheila Traynor, Tom Traynor (Amy K. Traynor) and Rich Traynor (Amy T. Traynor). He leaves adored grandchildren, Althea Pajak, Cole Traynor, Brendan Pajak (Nyla Pajak), Aiden Traynor, Iyla Hopkins (Matt Trimble), Colleen Beach (Tommy Beach), Ray Munroe (Christiana Munroe), Phil Hopkins (Putri Andriani), Galen Munroe (Bernadette James), Miles Hopkins, James Waters, Mikey Pajak, Sean Waters, Ian Henderson, Juliet Henderson, Kailey Traynor, Mariah Traynor, Declan Traynor, Finn Traynor, Abigail Traynor, Lorelei Traynor, Erin Traynor and cherished great-grandchildren Lucas Munroe, Clare Munroe, Charlie Beach, Conrad Pajak, Charlotte Munroe, Teddy Beach, Lucy Beach, Sam Beach, Benjamin Munroe and Jack Munroe. He is also survived by dear siblings Ann Traynor and Kathleen Grimm and 34 nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Pat Traynor, parents Robert and Elizabeth Traynor, brothers Robert Traynor and Jack Traynor, sisters Mary Lanzara, Elizabeth Bayard, Eileen Grimm and great-grandchild, Will Munroe.

There will not be a wake but there will be a viewing at 1:00pm preceding the Memorial Mass of the Resurrection to be held at 2:00pm on Friday, December 29 at St. Mary’s Abbey at 230 Mendham Road in Morristown, NJ.

Flowers can be sent to St. Mary’s Abbey for the Memorial Mass or a Memorial contribution can be made to New Jersey Right to Life. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the family may be shared at www.McCrackenFuneralHome.com.