Loving Husband, Father and Friend,

Delaware Township, NJ– Renato "Ray" J. Mortara, 91, passed away quietly on Friday, December 10, 2010 at his home with his loving family by his side. Born in New York, NY, son of the late Joseph and Rose (De Martini) Mortara, he grew up in Hell's Kitchen where he graduated from Dewitt Clinton High School and then resided in South Plainfield, Watchung and Bedminster prior to settling to Delaware Township in 1998.

In the 20's, Ray faithfully served his country when he joined the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. He served as an Air Force cadet and served at Fort Dix as an air traffic controller. After the war Ray went to work with Frank Chubco selling real estate and found his passion was building homes for war vets. Ray expressed to his son Robert about the many Christmas cards he had received from people who he had built their dream homes for allowing them to move from the one bedroom tenements in Newark. He built many homes in Union and Somerset County with his partners Hugh Gallagher and Vincent Manzelli. In 1976, his son Robert became partners with his dad and formed Countryside, Inc. and continued the family tradition of building homes in Hunterdon County. In 1986, his son Rene joined with his brother and father as they continue to this days to build the American Dream for others under the title Robinhill Home Builders and Countryside Plaza, Inc. In 1990, the Mortara's teamed up with the Einstein Family and built Robinhill 1-2-3-4-5 in Raritan Township. Ray was a certified residential appraiser, a real estate broker in South Plainfield, Chairman of the Board of Adjustment in Watchung and a member of the Board of Industrial Commission in South Plainfield. Ray's love for skiing especially with his family and friends inspired him and his wife Emily to travel all over Europe and North America. He was a member of the National Ski Patrol and Plainfield Ski Club where he enjoyed organizing group trips. Ray's love for flying led him to become an accomplished glider pilot. He was actively involved in the Aero Club Albatross and he would be seen during the glider season regularly at the Somerset Airport where as a glider instructor he taught many people how to fly. His son Robert joined him on many glider flights and credits him for his passion of flying today. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and the Valley Players.

Ray leaves behind his beloved and devoted wife of 62 years Emily (Persivale) Mortara with whom he joined hands in marriage on October 9, 1948; his loving children: son, Robert Mortara and his wife Marjorie of Delaware Township; daughter, Laura and her husband Randy Hoff of Harmony, NJ; and son, Rene and his wife Patty Mortara of Delaware Township; cherished granddaughters, Allison and Katie Mortara.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation at Countryside Funeral Home, 724 Route 202 North, Three Bridges, NJ 08887 on Monday, December 13th from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and on Tuesday, December 14th from 10:45 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

Funeral services will begin on Tuesday, December 14th at 11:15 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a noon funeral liturgy at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Roman Catholic Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. Committal words and entombment will follow at St. Magdalen Mausoleum in Flemington.

Ray taught his family many things in life and he will be missed dearly by everyone who knew him. His family asks that everyone not mourn his death but celebrate his life and do not send flowers but make a contribution in his memory to: Soaring Society Of America Eagle Program, PO Box 2100, Hobbs, NM 88241.