Long-time IMPA member Raymond Basil Tahan passed away suddenly at St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville on December 30th. He was 74.
Born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, he later lived in Belleville before moving to Rockaway Township 35 years ago.
Ray served in the United States Air Force during Vietnam.
His passion for cars and entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish “Marcella Cars” in Rockaway Twp. His love of British sports cars contributed to his association with numerous organizations such as Jaguar Clubs of North America, The New Jersey Triumph Club, the International Motor Press Association and the Madison Avenue Sports Car Driving and Chowder Society.
Ray’s Jaguars and Triumphs were a fixture at IMPA Test Day concours events where he was a multiple winner. Some were restorations, but he was especially proud of his original owner/original condition Triumph Stag.
Those who knew him well, understood that the only thing that was more important than cars, to Ray, was spending time with his grandsons and family.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday January 4, 2023, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 5th, at St. Simon the Apostle Church, 1010 Green Pond Road Newfoundland, NJ. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa.
Memorial donations can be made in his memory to St. Simon the Apostle Church by way of inmemof.org.