Raymond F. Vanek

Raymond F. Vanek, age 75 of Saybrook died Thursday morning, May 31, 2018 at his residence.

Raymond was born March 18, 1943 in Sheffield, the son of Fred F. and Georgia VanSlyke Vanek. Following High school Ray worked for many years as a maintenance man at the former Bow Socket Plant in Ashtabula. At that time, he was an avid motor cycle racer, riding his Husqvarna to numerous wins in Ohio and Pennsylvania. He was also a volunteer Fireman for Kingsville Township. 

For several years Raymond lived in Orange County California working at Arlington Funeral Home and when he returned to the area worked at the Raisian Funeral Home. Raymond was a very loving and caring person, looking out for others and always lending a helping hand.

Ray loved to travel when his health was better. He loved to get in his bus and visit his family out west and traveling to Mexico. For many years he loved going to the Blue grass festivals around the country with his wife Carole. Ray was a member of the Living Water Church, former member the Old Time Baptist Church in Conneaut, and former member and caretaker of the Conneaut Boat Club.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Georgia Vanek, his wife Carole Vanek and a brother Donald Vanek.

Raymond is survived by two sons, Brent (Feliza) Vanek of Pueblo West, CO, Gary Todd (Amy) Vanek of Colfax, WA, and daughter Christine Vanek of Pueblo West, CO. Brothers Richard Vanek of Sheffield, William “Bill” Vanek of Kingsville, Fred “Mick” (Susan) Vanek, Sheffield, David (Patricia) Vanek of Charlotte, N.C., sisters Mary Ellen (Dave) Dragon of Ashtabula, Shirley (Frank) Baniewicz of Lafayette, LA., along with numerous favorite grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and his “adopted kids”, Renae Campbell, Scott Pifer and AJ.

Family and friends will gather for visitation on Friday, June 8, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. until 12 noon followed by Funeral services at 12 noon at the Raisian Family Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St., Conneaut.  Burial will take place at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions envelopes will be available at the funeral home to assist the family with Raymond’s final expenses.

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