Raymond F. Greiner, age 88, resident of 308 Willow Street, Edinboro, died Sunday, January 13, 2013 at Saint Vincent Health Center, Erie. Born in Erie on September 26, 1924, he was the son of the late Alfred and Elizabeth (Brunner) Greiner. He was first married on October 6, 1951 to Anna T. (Stolz) Greiner, and she died July 30, 1998. He subsequently married Doris (Wade) Gilchrist Greiner on May 31, 2003, and she survives.
Ray was baker and a loyal employee of Firch’s Bakery for 44 years. After his retirement in 1983, he continued to stay active and worked until he was 80 years old. During these years he was employed by Janitor Jim, Erie Times News, and Quality Inn and Suites.
Having been deaf since his childhood, Ray strove to enjoy life and provide for a wonderful family that he loved very much. He always had a good time when he was bowling, playing golf, or traveling, and he had many friends through his memberships with the Ashtabula Deaf Club and other social clubs in Erie.
Ray is survived by his second wife, Doris Greiner of Edinboro; a son, Richard Greiner and his partner Paul Sanders of Waterford; a daughter, Catherine Williams and her husband Brian of McKean; two grandchildren– Justin (Audrey) Smith of Key West, FL and Hannah Smith of McKean; and a sister, Mildred Kuntz of Erie. Other family members include two nieces– Patti (Steve) Johnson and Char (Joe) Chmielewski; his step-children– Robert (Paula) Gilchrist of Mill Village, Larry (Carol) Gilchrist of Erie, Ron (Anita) Gilchrist of Ashtabula, Robbie Gilchrist of Edinboro, Regis Gilchrist of Sacramento, CA, and Donna Youngquest of Erie; also, several step-grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro on Wednesday from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. at which time the funeral will begin. Rev. Brian Riddle, pastor of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Drakes Mills, will officiate. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Erie.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family.
Ray is one of the most devout Catholics I’ve ever known and he inspired me with his strong faith in God. He was a good friend and always cheerful and smiling. He was so kind and even took my husband golfing a few times despite the communication gap. He was a very dutiful husband to Anna and then to Doris and very loyal to his friends. Interpreting Mass for Ray has been a great gift to me. Seeing worship through his eyes was amazing. Knowing him from childhood airport trips until now has been a true blessing. I will miss him deeply, but will never forget him.
Families & Friends,
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Regards my love to all