George Raymond "Ray" Thomas

George Raymond "Ray" Thomas, 79, of Catawba Island, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2014 in his home after a well fought battle with health complications. He was born on February 1, 1935 in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of the late Michael and Mary (Kratay) Thomas. Ray grew up in the Cleveland Ohio, Tremont area. He was a 1954 graduate of Lincoln High School, and a graduate of Ohio University and John Carroll University. He was a loving husband to Juliann Theresa Slusarczyk, whom he was married to for 51 years. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving his country during World War Two as a sharpshooter. Ray worked as a Pharmaceutical Executive at Astra/ Astra Zeneca until his retirement. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Trinity Counsel #4217, Tremont area, where he also served as past Grand Knight. His love and passion of family will never be matched. He was passionate of the water and truly enjoyed boating and fishing. Ray and his wife enjoyed vacationing in Hawaii and Maine. They spent a lot of time at the Catawba Island Club. Besides boating and fishing, his hobbies included golfing, bowling, spending time at the beach, a strong passion for the opera, but most importantly traveling with his beautiful wife, Juliann, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife: Juliann; son: Michael Scott Thomas (Margaret "Peg" Palmer), Vermilion, Ohio; daughters: Bethann Marie (Chris) McQuillen, Sandusky, Ohio and Tamara Ann (Stephen) Parseghian, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts; grandchildren: Hugh "Jordan" McQuillen, Caitlin Marie McQuillen, Cole Thomas Parseghian, Benjamin Lee Parseghian, Samuel James Parseghian; brother: John Thomas; four sisters-in-law; one brother in law; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Rose Zajac, and brothers: Anthony and Rudolph Thomas. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 from 5-7pm at the Neidecker, LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home, Peninsula Chapel, 7755 E. Harbor Road, Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio 43440. Graveside services with military honors will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 10:30am at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Rittman, Ohio 44270. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marblehead. "Our father first, but always our friend. You were in good times and bad. Your love for life, your humor, loyalty and wisdom will shine forever bright in our hearts. We Love You Dad"