Rhinehart "Pug" H. Straway Jr.

Pug was born in Newton and was a lifelong Newton resident. He attended Newton High School and graduated in 1961. He held various positions with the Town of Newton until his retirement in 2023. Pug was the former owner of a private construction company.

Pug had a solid work ethic; no job was ever too big or too small. He was a past member of the Newton Vol. Fire Department. Pug enjoyed socializing, his warm demeanor and infectious laugh were well known among those who knew him best. He loved nature and animals, he especially enjoyed feeding and watching the deer who visited his home. Pug had a healthy appetite and particularly loved ice cream. Whether it was in the summer heat or bitter cold of winter, you could always count on Pug to indulge in his favorite treat.

Pug was predeceased by his parents, Rhinehart H. Straway, Sr. and Flora (Faber) Straway. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Joyce Straway; his children, Tina Berner (John), Teresa Rutherford (Jim), Tom Straway (Joyce), and Tim Straway (Kelly); his stepdaughters, Dawn Christiana (Jay), and Tracy Drake (Gary); 11 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the direction of Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, Newton, NJ. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 1pm-4pm at the Newton VFW, 85 Mill St, Newton, NJ 07860. Memorial donations may be made in Rhinehart’s memory to Compassionate Care Hospice, 500 International Drive, Suite 333, Budd Lake, NJ 07828.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.