Charles J. Ray

Charles J. Ray, 98, of New Derry, died Saturday, June 7, 2025, in the Loyalhanna Senior Suites and Personal Care Home. He was born December 21, 1926, in New Derry, a son of the late Edward and Mary (Vogus) Ray. Prior to retirement he was a supervisor and a mechanic for Mark Lines. He was a member of St. Martin's Roman Catholic Church, in New Derry; life member and past president of Derry Rod and Gun Club and the New Derry Sportsman Club. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Gertrude Cora Bridge Ray in 2013; two brothers Edward and Paul Ray; a sister Nancy Liberoni; and a step grandson, Jeremy Scifo. He is survived by a son, Charles J. Ray (Donna), of Phoenix, AZ.; three daughters, Susan Lichtenfels (Richard), of Armagh, Paulette Brown (James) of New Derry; and Anita Scifo (Joseph), of Bradenville; a brother Dick Ray (Joanne) of Greensburg; three sisters, Vianna “Ginger” Butala (Tony) of Latrobe, Patricia Terdle of Hostetter, and, Mary Jane Zarzeczny of North Huntingdon; grandchildren, Richard Lichtenfels, Lisa Akers, Christopher Ray (Michelle), Michael Ray (Rachel), Alyssa Lape (Brandon), Maria Hagenbrook (Ryan), Cristen Scifo, and Joseph Scifo; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. The family has entrusted the funeral arrangements with the Matthew X. Merlin Funeral Home, Inc., 529 N Chestnut St. Derry, PA 15627, 724-694-8331. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Loyalhanna Senior Suites and Personal Care Home and Suncrest Hospice. Services will be private for the family. Online condolences may be made to merlinfuneralhome.com.

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