Raymond E. Gordon

AUSTINTOWN - Raymond E. Gordon, 68, passed away early Wednesday evening, March 29, 2017, at Meridian Arms Living Center, with his wife at his side, following a brief illness.

Raymond was born Dec. 7, 1948, in Warren, a son of the late Carl and Josephine Suzelis Gordon, and was a lifelong area resident.

Mr. Gordon, who was affectionately and humorously known to his friends as “Flash,” was raised in Newton Falls and was a 1967 graduate of Newton Falls High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1972, and was a decorated veteran honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant after serving in Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.

Ray managed the Union 76 Truck Stop in Austintown for 17 years, and subsequently worked for the past 24 years for the Austintown Local Schools.

He was a member of St. Christine Parish in Youngstown. 

Ray enjoyed the outdoors, camping and fishing, landscaping, and riding his motorcycle. He also enjoyed animals, and he especially loved spending time with his family and friends.

Ray leaves his wife of 38 years, Patricia Haas Gordon, whom he married July 28, 1978; his son, Jason P. Leancu of Austintown; his daughter, Kelly Rae Gordon of Youngstown; and two grandchildren, Willow and Justin.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, March 31, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown.

Funeral services will begin at 9:15 a.m., Saturday, April 1, at the funeral home, and will continue at 10 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at St. Christine Church on South Schenley Avenue in Youngstown.

Committal services with military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Gordon’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, to St. Christine Church Memorial Fund, or to the Animal Charity League.