Raymond John "Ray" Szymanski

Raymond John “Ray” Szymanski, age 86 formerly of Toledo’s Historic Polish Village, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Kingston Assisted Living surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 29, 1937 in Toledo, OH to John L. and Charlotte (Plock) Szymanski. He was a graduate of St. Michael’s Grade School and Central Catholic High School, “Class of 1955”. Ray was a loving husband, father, grandpa, and great grandpa who enjoyed spending time with family and friends. A caretaker to many through the years, he was always looking out for others and not himself. As a Union Steward and 65-year member of the IBEW Union Local 8, he worked for many contractors throughout his 42-year career as an electrician. Ray loved being outdoors, fishing and hunting with his father and brothers. He was a fan of college sports, especially the University of Michigan. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Point Place Council, and a former parishioner of St. Adalbert Catholic Church.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Christine (Kokocinski) Szymanski on May 18, 1998; brother, Norman and sister-in-law, Elaine Szymanski. He is survived by his children, Ronald (Kimberly) Szymanski, Thomas Szymanski, Karen (Kirk) Sulier, and Brian (Angela) Szymanski; grandchildren who called him “Grandpa Buddy”, Ron (Kim) Szymanski Jr., Zach (Taylor) Szymanski, Nikki (Donnie) Ross, Joe Szymanski, Heather Sulier, John Sulier, Haley (Dakota) Knight, and Cassidy Szymanski; and great-grandchildren, Addison, Teagan, Trace, Tinsley, and Payton Szymanski. Also surviving are his brothers, Richard (Mary) and William (Linda) Szymanski; and longtime loving companion, Louise Brubaker.   

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 5 from 3-8 p.m. at Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 114 E. Alexis Rd. with a rosary at 7 p.m.  The funeral service will be Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home with Deacon Gerald Ignatowski presiding. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Special thanks to Kingston of Sylvania and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their loving care of Ray. Memorial donations may be given to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences can be shared at www.sujkowski.com.

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