Raymond W. Sullivan

Raymond W. Sullivan, 86, of Monaca, passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon, November 6, 2016, at his residence.Born November 8, 1929, in Freedom, he was the last surviving child of John W. and Estella M. (Houk) Sullivan.  Ray had a warm smile, a gentle kindness and a comforting demeanor.  An avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates fan, he also loved country music.  Leisure time included attending events, whether sports or award programs such as National Honor Society, of his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, family camping at Flying Finn Campground in New Waterford, OH, and league bowling at the Monaca Turners.  A graduate of Rochester High School, Class of 1947, Ray was a retired relief operator at ARCO Chemical.  He was a proud and faithful retired member of Monaca #4 V.F.D. and a life member of Monaca Turners and Beaver Valley Sportsman’s Club.  Years ago, Ray and his wife, Sally, enjoyed ‘cutting a rug’ at various dance clubs around the area.  He was also a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Monaca.He will be sadly missed by his loving children, Janet L. (Brian) Shumaker, of Monaca, Raymond M. (Angela) Sullivan of Erie, Carol A. Babyak of Monaca, Nancy J. Sullivan of Moon Township, and Dr. David J. (Lorie) Sullivan of Steubenville, OH; his grandchildren, Dr. Sheri (Nathan) Sturm, Natalie Babyak (Fiancé, Matt Maley), Josh (Patricia) Antinopoulos, James (Kellie) Antinopoulos, Kristen (Brandon) Apple, Beka Shumaker (Todd), Nicole Sullivan, Sarah Sullivan, Marcie (Chris) Crawford, and Brian (Amanda) Shumaker; his great-grandchildren, Alicia and Austin Maley, Max Sturm, Aurora and Mara Apple, James Antinopoulos, Aveline Crawford and an expected great-grandson in January, a brother-in-law, Robert (Mary Jane) Elmer in Florida and a sister-in-law, Audrey Elmer in Chippewa, along with numerous nieces and nephews; longtime friends, Carl and Betty Jagerski and devoted neighbors, Don and Anita Regney.In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 56 years, Sara L. ‘Sally’ (Elmer); two infant daughters, Mary Elizabeth and Maria; three brothers, Ira, Phillip and Mansel and two sisters, Dorothy Paxton and Doris Watson.Friends will be received Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Ave., Monaca, where parting prayers will be offered Thursday at 9:30 p.m. followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m.at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Monaca.  Fr. Michael R. Ruffalo, pastor, will officiate.Interment will follow in the parish cemetery where Ray will be laid to rest next to his wife, Sally.Members of the Monaca V.F.D. #4 will conduct a fireman’s service at the funeral home on Wednesday at 7 p.m.In lieu of flowers the family has suggested memorial contributions may be made, if desired, to a charity of the donor’s choice.The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staffs of Health South in Sewickley, Progressive Home Care and Mother Theresa Hospice, who provided Ray with support and comfort during his final days.To share online condolences, get directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.