Gerard Ray

Gerard Louis Ray, 79, passed away on Monday, October 3, 2016, at Ebeid Hospice in Sylvania, surrounded by his loving family. Jerry was born February 26, 1937, in Toledo, Ohio, to John and Veronica (Williams) Ray. He went to St. Annes Grade School and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1956. After serving in the National Guard in 1960-1962, he went to work for the State Hospital on Arlington and Detroit as a professional painter for six years. After working for the Chevy plant and Doehler Jarvis, he joined The Toledo Fire Division on January 2, 1967 and served 26 years on the force. He worked at Starion #1 downtown on #1's pumper for eight years. Before heading to the old 18s in 1974 (now the fire museum) and then the new 18s on Lewis Avenue, from 1975-1993. He loved his job as a firefighter, wanting to be one since grade school He grew up on Hollywood Street and worked in his dad's grocery store at Delaware and Detroit. When he was not working as a firefighter, Jerry worked for OJ Paxton Wrecking Co. for six years and then Walkers Furniture for 13 years on the side. Jerry was a tireless worker and did many things for many people, such as volunteering at Heartbeat in his retirement. Jerry made his home on Westway Street for 53 years. Jerry received the name Remsno Ray while working as a Fire Alarm Operator in the Fire Dispatch office. He had a distinguished voice while sending Fire Crews out on calls for help. Jerry was born a Catholic, attending St. Agnes and Rosary Cathedral. He had 24 years of retirement. He loved vacations to Tennessee and the East Coast. He was a kind, loving man who loved to smile and greet people. He is survived by his sons, Daniel Ray, Daryl (Tammy) Ray and his children, Taylor and Madison; his daughter, Sheryl Manning and her children, Tina and Nicholas; brother, James (Carol) Ray and sisters, Mary Rossler and Margie (Bob) Meegan, and his loving grandson, Joshua Ray, whom Jerry and his late wife Judy raised. He is also survived by two great-granddaughters, Kiley and Willow, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Judy; daughter, Pamela; son, Douglas; brothers, John, Bill and Richard and sister, Regina. Visitation will be at Blanchard Strabler Funeral Home, Thursday from 2:00-9:00 p.m. with a Firefighter Last Alarm service at 7:00 p.m. The funeral will be Friday at noon at Blanchard Strabler Funeral Home. Burial at Toledo Memorial Park. Donations may be made to the Toledo Firefighters Museum or to the donor's choice.