Obituary of Ralph A. DeVuyst

Ralph A. DeVuyst, 86, passed away peacefully Sunday, November 9, 2014 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Fairlawn, he was a longtime resident of Middlesex for 49 years, moving to Raritan in 2004 to live with his daughter. He recently returned to Middlesex to live out his final days. Ralph was born in Fairlawn, NJ, the son of Emil and Amy DeVuyst. Upon graduating from Fairlawn High School, he joined the U.S Army, serving with Ho Company 2nd Transportation Major Port in Yokohama, Japan from 1946-1947. He was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal Japan.Ralph worked at the VA Hospital, Lyons NJ for 30 years as head chef and baker, retiring in 1982. He continued working as a full-time security guard for ATandT and as a mail room clerk at Crum and Forster Insurance Company in Liberty Corner. Long time residents may also recall Loui's Bakery in Middlesex, where he prepared breads, rolls, danish, cookies and cakes.Ralph was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Virgin church since 1955 and willingly volunteered his time setting up and working Bingo, coordinating collection activities and serving weekly as an usher at 8:00 a.m. Sunday mass. He also enjoyed volunteering at Somerset Medical Center for ten years where he interacted with patients and staff.When not working, Ralph lovingly tended to his flower and vegetable gardens, and willingly assisted his family with theirs. He continued to exhibit his flair for baking, whipping up scrumptious cookies and pies. In his younger years he also enjoyed fishing, trapping, and hiking and spending time in the forest at his New York state property. He was an avid reader of books pertaining to World War II, early American history, gardening and farming. He enjoyed the gospel music of Jim Nabors, hits from the 50's as well as country western music and of course his favorite Linda Ronstadt. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Ralph was predeceased by his wife Mary Jane Hingston DeVuyst, parents Emil and Amy DeVuyst, brothers Larry and Harold, and sister, Mildred McCavitt. He is survived by his sister Agnes DeKoeyer of Candor, NY, daughter, Mary Jane (Robert) Strauss of Howell, son, Kenneth (Debra) DeVuyst of Middlesex and daughter, Ruth Ann (Tony) Parronchi of Raritan, as well as his grandchildren Christina, Gregg, Vanessa, Amy, Christopher, Kidda and great-grandchild, Riley. He was also a loving and devoted companion to Anne Aust of Middlesex.Visitation will take place in Middlesex Funeral Home, 528 Bound Brook Road, Middlesex, NJ 08846 on Thursday, November 13, 2014 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm and on Friday, November 14, 2014 from 8:15 am until 8:45 am.Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 14, 2014 beginning 8:45 am in the funeral home followed by a 9:30 am Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish in Middlesex. Ralph will be laid to rest besides his wife Mary Jane at Resurrection Burial Park in Piscataway.Memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurse Association Health Group Hospice, c/o Foundation Office, 176 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank NJ.