Raymond J. Orlovsky, Campbell, Ohio

CAMPBELL, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Raymond J. Orlovsky, 85, a lifelong resident of Campbell, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 11, 2024, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 8, 1939, to John and Mary Zifchak Orlovsky, Ray lived a life filled with dedication to his family, community and country.

A 1958 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School , Ray was a proud member of the Red Devils football team and continued his dedication to the Campbell football community by selling 50/50 tickets at home games as part of the Campbell Gridiron Club, long after his sons had graduated.

Ray enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country in Korea before his honorable discharge in September 1963. His service was a great source of pride, and his commitment to duty and discipline remained with him throughout his life.

In 1963, Ray met the love of his life, Kathleen Pfund, on a blind date and their first date was at Sharon Speedway. A year later, his unique proposal at a Todd’s Hamburger Shop, “Hey, let’s get married,” led to a beautiful partnership. Ray affectionately called her “Babe” for the next 59 years. They married on September 18, 1965, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Austintown and together raised three sons, Raymond, Steven and Paul. Ray’s family was his greatest treasure and he took immense pride in passing on life lessons and sharing his love of aviation and dirt track racing with his sons.

Ray worked for Commercial Intertech for 37 years as a machinist before retiring in 2001. He was a natural-born handyman who could fix just about anything, from household repairs to car maintenance and he passed many of these valuable skills onto his sons and grandchildren. His ability to troubleshoot and solve problems was a cornerstone of his role in the family. Ray was also known for always making sure his family was prepared, often handing them extra cash in an envelope labeled “JIC” (Just in Case), clipped with his signature paperclip.

He looked forward to tending his garden each year and took great joy in sharing his harvest of vegetables with his family. Whether it was apple picking with his sons as children or berry picking with his grandchildren, Ray cherished spending time outdoors with his loved ones. He also valued his monthly breakfasts with lifelong childhood friends and former coworkers. A puzzle master, Ray had a unique sorting strategy that helped him solve even the most challenging puzzles.

Ray had a deep love for music, especially polkas, and could often be found listening to his favorite tunes on the patio, with “Beer Barrel Polka” being his favorite. He was a devoted grandfather, and nothing made him prouder than attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events. In the stands, he could often be heard telling the refs to “call it both ways.” Ray never hesitated to offer advice, no matter the sport, reminding Aiden to keep her eye on the ball; he was there to witness her first home run. He joked with Owen that he should put gum on his gloves so he wouldn’t drop another interception and telling Grayson to “shoot from the blueline.” He also encouraged Rylie to always “play hard and smart” and lovingly told Cambry he was going to give her a thousand ducky kisses.

Ray also had a passion for helping his wife bake Christmas cookies each year. Armed with a ruler, he meticulously ensured that the clothespin cookies were  precisely measured to a quarter of an inch and that the kolache had more than enough filling—sometimes to Kathy’s dismay when they overflowed. Together, they created cherished family traditions. With his grandchildren, Ray built forts, played hide and seek, and invented many games, with the grandkids’ favorite being “horses.” He took them on countless bike rides and car trips and even jumped on the trampoline with them. Together with Kathy, Ray created countless fond memories that his family will carry with them forever.

A man of strong faith, Ray was a former member of St. Elizabeth’s Parish and a current member of Christ the Good Shepherd Parish. His faith guided him throughout his life, shaping his values and his deep commitment to others.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Zifchak Orlovsky; his in-laws, Earle and Katherine Pfund; his sister, Marge Masajlo; his brothers, Lawr, Mike, and John Orlovsky; his sister-in-law, MaryAnn Pfund; his brother-in-law, Earle Pfund; and his beloved granddaughter, Elise Katherine Orlovsky.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Kathy; his sons, Raymond (Kim) of Canfield, Steven of Northfield and Paul (Taryn) of Winter Garden, Florida; his cherished grandchildren, Aiden, Grayson, Owen, Riley and Cambry; his brothers, Tom (Geri) of Poland and Richard of Austintown and many extended family members and dear friends. Ray’s loyalty, sense of humor, and deep love for his family will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The Orlovsky family would like to thank the staff at Ohio Living Hospice for their compassionate care, with special appreciation to Francine, Vance and Tammy. They would also like to thank Dr. Scott Agnew for his continued guidance and care.

The family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home , where they will receive friends and family on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

A prayer service will be offered at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the Good Shepherd Parish in Campbell, with The Very Rev. Thomas Kraszewski officiating.

Military honors will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Campbell Gridiron Club.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond J. Orlovsky, please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Monday, October 14 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.