LONG VALLEY, NJ (Morris County) – Deacon Ray Chimileski, 76, of Long Valley, passed away on Monday, Oct. 28, at Hackettstown Medical Center, according to his obituary.
Born on Aug. 10, 1948, at Passaic Hospital, Ray grew up in Paterson before becoming a 34-year resident of Long Valley. He held a Master’s degree in Art and was an ordained Catholic Deacon, deeply committed to serving his community.
Ray was the Director and Founder of Operation Chillout, New Jersey’s oldest all-volunteer mobile outreach program for homeless veterans. Over the years, he and his team delivered backpacks filled with warm clothing and essential items to thousands of veterans in need.
A dedicated member of St. Luke Parish in Long Valley, Ray was ordained as a Deacon in 2005 and was well-known for his inspiring homilies. He was actively involved in the World Community for Christian Meditation, organizing meditation sessions at the church every Monday night. Additionally, Ray initiated the local Cross Walk across Long Valley on Good Friday, fostering unity among members of different denominations. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus.
Ray cherished his vacations in Nantucket with his wife, Leslie, and had a passion for art, being an active member of Art Matters in Long Valley.
Mayor Matt expressed his condolences, stating, “I’m so sad to hear this news today. This is such a great loss for the Township. Deacon Ray was a great man who gave all of himself in service to others. Not only did he serve the people of St. Luke’s, but he was also the founder of Operation Chillout, which has helped thousands of homeless veterans. I’m very glad to have known and worked with Ray. May God bless Ray, and may he rest in peace.”
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Leslie Chimileski (Myers), his sister, Susie McElroy and her husband, Gary, as well as his sisters-in-law Ginny Ilsley and her husband, Patrick, and Gail Rock, his brother-in-law Tom Myers and his wife, Angel Li, along with many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Ray’s Life will include visitation on Friday, Nov. 1, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at St. Luke Parish, 265 West Mill Road, Long Valley. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 10:30 a.m. at the same location, with interment following at German Valley Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ray’s name to Operation Chillout at operationchillout.org/donate.