I learned from Ray how to live out retirement. Despite having lost his wife at a relatively early age, he always kept himself busy usually at the service of others, whether it be working at the grill at the OLP fair, cooking for the K of C St. Patrick's party and Spaghetti Supper, or working at the Barabash center, where my wife and I last saw him this past Mother's Day. He related then that he was not going to make it this time, after having previously fought off disease several times. Shortly thereafter he was hospitalized.

He was a consummate gentleman, hardworking, and a devoted man of faith who lived his life to the full to the very end. I am sure he has been greeted with open arms by Jesus and his loving wife.