Raymond R Rhode

RAYMOND R RHODE, age 86

Beloved husband for 59 years of Mary Noreen (nee Londregan). Loving father of Colleen (John Gregg), Michael (Patricia), Patrick (Kristine), Christopher (Julia) and Matthew (Rebecca). Devoted grandfather of Michael, Brent, Alexander, Lincoln, Leo and Luca. Cherished son of Aloysius and Edna Rhode (both deceased). Dear brother of the following deceased: twin brother Robert R and Merilyn Collier. Uncle and great uncle of many.

Ray was a long-time employee of East Ohio Gas Co. where he served in the Public Affairs department before retiring. In retirement, he was a passionate volunteer in the local community, church and his beloved alma maters.

A 1951 graduate of Gilmour Academy, Ray served on the Board of Trustees of his beloved Blue and Gray and was a fixture at sporting events through the years. He was also a 1955 graduate of John Carroll University and its ROTC program where he later served as an officer in the US Army, with a stint in France. Until recently, Ray was the Alumni Scribe for his John Carroll class.

In the local community, Ray served on the Records Commission in South Euclid and was responsible for organizing the city's Summer band concert series. Deeply devoted to the parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus (formerly St. Gregory the Great), he orchestrated the Eucharistic Ministry and Lector program for more than 15 years. Ray was also active with the Sts. Margaret and Gregory Credit Union and was instrumental in getting the credit union up and running following a merger and relocation to its permanent building where it still operates today.

Ray will be deeply missed by his large family and the community which he was committed to serving.

Interment Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to meet for Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 am Saturday at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 1545 South Green Rd, South Euclid, 44121. You can also watch mass live on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/FiorittoFuneralService. Friends may call at THE FIORITTO FUNERAL HOME, 5236 MAYFIELD RD, LYNDHURST (E OF RICHMOND RD) 4-6 PM FRIDAY.

MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR BOTH EVENTS. BY CDC ORDER, ONLY A CERTAIN NUMBER OF PEOPLE WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE FUNERAL HOME AT ONE TIME AND YOU MAY BE ASKED TO WAIT OUTSIDE FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME SO PLEASE BE PREPARED. IF YOU ARE SICK FEEL LIKE YOU MAY HAVE COME INTO CONTACT WITH SOMEONE WITH COVID OR ARE UNEASY BEING AROUND GROUPS AT THIS TIME, PLEASE DO NOT COME. THE FAMILY COMPLETELY UNDERSTANDS.

Please omit flowers, contributions in Ray's memory are suggested to Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.