Raymond Joseph Szymanski

Raymond Joseph Szymanski of Toledo, died Saturday, January 15 at the age of 98. He was born to John and Rose (Lyskawa) Szymanski on June 13, 1923. He was married to Mary (Petersen) Szymanski for 45 years before her passing in 1998.

Ray graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1942 and soon after joined the Army where he proudly served in the Pacific. He continued his education at the University of Toledo getting his degree in Engineering.  He began his work at Johns Manville, retiring as a quality control manager in 1986 after 39 years of service. He was proud of his contributions toward the development of the heat shield used in the Apollo and space shuttle programs.

Ray was a devoted family man and held many interests including golf with 2 hole-in-ones, bowling, and ballroom dancing all through his life. He was a great traveler seeing much of the world. He cheered for UT football and his mighty Notre Dame every season. He was a devoted member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for more than 65 years. Ray always had a joke to share and loved spending coffeetime with his group of friends after church discussing the great questions of the world. After retiring he traveled and enjoyed his grandchildren of whom he was very proud and loved dearly. He will be dearly missed.

Ray is survived by his sons, Don (Sue), Bob (Laura), and James Szymanski; and daughter, Nancy Bogener. He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; brother, Ron Szymanski; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife Mary; he was preceded in death by his brother, Dick Szymanski; and infant son Tommy.

Visitation will be Monday, January 24 from 2-7 p.m. at Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 114 E. Alexis Rd. with recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m.  The Funeral Mass will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2240 Castlewood Dr., Toledo preceded by visitation from 10-11 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

Special thanks to Geoffery and Stacia for your compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church. Condolences may be shared at www.sujkowski.com.