Wayne J. Straz

Union City, NJ

Wayne Joseph Straz, age 52, of Union City, NJ passed away in his home on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

Born March 3, 1971, in Plainfield, NJ, Wayne was a member of the Somerville High School class of 1989 and spent his early days working at Barry's Appliance in Bridgewater, NJ, while spending countless fun times with his close friends, siblings, and cousins. Over his 33-year career, he became a top-rated Sales Manager for Trade Supply Group, in New York, NY.

An avid sportsman, Wayne enjoyed scuba diving, saltwater fishing, hiking and golf. Additionally, he enjoyed traveling to the tropics, watching a beautiful sunset, NASCAR races, and spending nights out dancing with those he loved. Wayne was easygoing with an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. His smile was infectious. He was a loving father, brother, uncle, nephew, and "coubling" (a cousin who is more like a sibling).

Wayne was predeceased by his father Frank Michael Straz and mother Janice Marie (Ardin) Straz; maternal grandparents Joseph and Rose Ardin; paternal grandparents Frank and Lillian Straz; Aunt Sharon Ann Ardin; Aunt Beverly Straz and aunt and godmother Valerie Straz.

He is survived by his son Samuel Francis; his brother Frank M. Straz. Jr. and his wife Jean; and his sister Victoria Rose Straz and her fiance Matthew Wallace; his niece Hayley Straz and her two sons Jordan and Wesley; his nephew Jacob Straz; and his niece Raven Rose Wallace. His aunt Linda D. Teeter, uncle and mentor Joseph W. Ardin, uncle and godfather Hank "Bud" Straz, aunt Felicia Corbo, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

All are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday, August 31, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Branchburg Funeral Home, 910 Rt. 202 South, Branchburg, NJ 08876. A public prayer service will be held at the funeral home at 7 pm.