Wayne B. Cipriani – Park Ridge, N.J., formerly of Monessen

Wayne B. Cipriani, 82, of Park Ridge, N.J., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Wayne is survived by his dear children, Peter and Lydia and her husband Glenn Spoto; grandchildren, Andrew and William Spoto; brother, Ronald; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Grace. Wayne grew up in Monessen. He attended Monessen High School, where he was a standout in football, basketball and baseball, earning him a spot in the Monessen Hall of Fame. He had a tryout as a pitcher with the Pittsburgh Pirates and later attended Lafayette College on a football scholarship, where he was the starting quarterback for two and a half seasons. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration and moved to New York City to work for RCA and later TWA. In 1964, he met the love of his life, Grace Martin, at a winter ski house in Vermont. They were married in 1965. He served six years in the Army Reserves, where he received commendations as a sharpshooter and marksman. He went on to run his own computer consulting businesses until retiring. He and Grace settled their family in Park Ridge in 1971, where Wayne coached both his children in multiple sports and served as president of the Park Ridge Athletic Association. He was a lifelong athlete, enjoying softball, tennis, golf and long walks through town. He loved attending sporting events and vacationing with family and friends in Wildwood Crest and Florida. His greatest joy was spending time with his two grandsons. He will be dearly missed by all who knew his quiet dignity, wry humor and his concise expression. The family will receive guests at BECKER FUNERAL HOME, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, N.J., from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 22, with a celebration of life and faith on premises at 6 p.m.