28 June 1933 – 20 September 2020
Past National Commander (2015-2016), Emeritus

Brother Ray Vanden Berghe passed to the Celestial Chapter above on September 24, 2020. Born June 28, 1933 in Paterson, NJ, he was 88 years old. 1st Lt Vanden Berghe served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952 to 1956 and in the USMC Reserves from 1956 to 1960. After the military he served with the NJ State Police for 31 years before retiring. He was also active with his Church Administrative board, Boy Scouts of America, Central NJ Executive Board, Northeast Regional Executive Board, the Volunteer Fire Company as a Vice-President and Phillips Barber Memorial Hospital Trust as a Vice-President.

He joined Masonry in Orpheus Lodge No. 137 F&AM in 1962 in Stockton, NJ. He served as Mater of his Lodge in 1968 and was Secretary for several years starting from 1969. He served as Grand Master of New Jersey in 1996. He belonged to several other Masonic bodies including the Masonic Service Association where he served as Commissioner; Allied Masonic Degrees where he was a Past Sovereign; Society of St Johns, Past President; National Association of Masonic Scouters, Director; Red Cross of Constantine, Past Sovereign; Sciots, Trinity Council of the Commandery; Clinton Chapter of the York Rite, Crescent Shrine Club, President. He was also a 33° member of the Scottish Rite (NMJ); the Masonic Charity Foundation of NJ as President and Board Chairman in 1989, and was active with DeMolay for boys and the International Order of the Rainbow for girls.

He joined National Sojourners in Grand Masters Chapter #996 on 28 June 2005 and was a member of 10 other Chapters. He served as President of Northern New Jersey Chapter #42 in 2009-2010 and Grand Masters Chapter #996 from 2012-2013. He served as Commander of Gen. Hugh Mercer Camp in 2011. On the National Level he served on the Committee of 33, Fraternal Liaison Committee; Chapter Chartering and Revitalization Committee; and Americanism Committee. He served as National Commander of the Heroes of ’76 from 2015-2016 and was eventually elected to Emeritus status.

Condolences can be sent to his Family at 6645 Summer Grape Court, Springfield, VA 22152-2512. Donations in his memory can be made to the SEM Fund, 7942 R Cluny Court, Springfield, VA 22153.