Oct 26, 2012 2 min read

Raymond Charles Ryczek, age 61, of Smithfield, Pa., graduated to eternal life on Thursday, October 25, 2012 after a lengthy illness, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Ray was born July 15, 1951 in Uniontown, Pa., a son of the late Felix E. and Frances ‘Fannie’ Oberlechner Ryczek.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Mary Esther DeBolt Ryczek; two children: daughter, Tammy Elizabeth Ryczek McMichael, son, Raymond Ryczek and his wife Hayley (Barisa) Ryczek; Two grandchildren, Matthew Joseph McMichael and Caitlyn Elizabeth McMichael; all of Smithfield, Pa.; brothers, Felix E. Ryczek Jr. and his wife Irene of Smithfield, Pa., Robert Ryczek and his wife Angela of Gainesville, Fla.; sister, Rosemary Parker and her husband Gerald of Smithfield, Pa.; Lifelong friend and hunting buddy Ray Kimmel of Garards F o r t, P a.; m a n y beloved nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Throughout Ray’s life he worked as a bricklayer, stone mason, coal miner and most recently was co-owner of Ryczek Stone Quarry. He was a long time member of UMWA and bricklayers union. He enjoyed the outdoors as an avid hunter, gardener and spent many hours searching the woods for mushrooms and ginseng.

Most importantly, Ray was a dedicated and loving husband and family man. Ray was a member of the St. Helen Catholic Church in Shoaf, Pa. and then Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Fairchance Pa. He was a faith filled man who served as an usher and on the parish council.

Ray’s family will receive friends in the GOLDSBORO-TOMI FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, INC., 21 E. Church St., Fairchance, PA., John M. Fabry, Super -visor & John Michael Fisher, Funeral Director on Sunday 2-4 and 6-9 p.m., a Blessing Service will take place at 8:45 p.m.; Christian Mothers will say ‘The Rosary’ at 5:30 pm; Monday morning until 9:30 am, followed by Prayers of Transfer. Followed by the Funeral Mass at 10 am in Ss. Cyril & Methodius R. C. Church 50 N. Morgantown Street, Fairchance, PA with the Rev. Father Andrew M. Kawecki as Celebrant.

Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Fairchance, PA. Condolences can be made on line at: goldsboro-tomi.com