ADVERTISING

Raymond Sydeski

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | July 03, 2021

Raymond John Sydeski, aka ‘Mr. Ray,’ ‘Legs,’ Sydeski, age 94, died in Naples, Florida on October 24th, 2019. He was born in Glassport Pa. on January 4, 1925, to the late Mary Bogush Sydeski and John Paul Sydeski. He was survived at the time of his death by his loving spouse of 74 years, Virginia (Gina) Malacki Sydeski, whom he met at the roller skating rink in Glassport, Pa. In addition, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Raymond J. Sydeski (Becky) who reside in Minnesota, and his three daughters and their spouses, Marilyn Sydeski Johns (Chris), Joanne Sydeski Gray (Walt), and Adell Sydeski Cotter (Tim), all of whom reside in Florida. His great loves were his grandchildren who survive him and include: Lora R. Johns, Gregory R. Johns, Matthew R. Sydeski and his spouse Amber, Jonathan C. Sydeski, Faith G. Cotter, and also the newest great granddaughter, Emma Sydeski. He is also survived by a sister, Gert Ormand and a brother Robert Sydeski, both from Glassport, Pa. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia Rae, his brothers, Steven, Edwin, John and his sister Connie.

Ray was a World War II veteran, having served in the navy aboard a sub-chaser in the Pacific theater as a machinist. Though he spoke little of the wartime experience, he did relate that his skills kept the engines roaring during battles on the sea and how difficult and hot that could be. He had a deep sense of duty and honor. Last year he participated in the Honor Flight to Washington, DC for WWII Vets , where he was treated with great respect for his service to our country. That trip taken with his son, Ray, who accompanied him was a proud moment for him, and the family thanks the Honor Flight personnel for making it happen. Ray was a man of faith and a man of many talents, including, machinist, upholsterer, back-yard farmer, construction, and even hair stylist. He really could do anything. Throughout the years following the war, he worked for the Glassport Glass factory, Copperweld, and the Clairton School District, where he remained for some 20 plus years until his retirement. His bright blue eyes, ready smile and willingness to offer a helping hand were his trademarks that made him a friend to everyone he met. Never an unkind word passed his lips. He had a zest for living and a strength that he passed along. But above all, his family was first and foremost in his heart. He was always there to fix the problem, to dry the wet eye, to kiss the hurt and make it all better. He walked the extra mile for each of his children and took pride in each of their accomplishments. When his daughter needed a nanny following the birth of his first grandchild, he became the ‘manny nanny’ and cared for his new charge with joy, learning how to put on a baby sleeper or wind up the baby swing. He kept that role for many years bonding all the grandchildren to him. He was their ‘pap pap’, and they all knew they could count on his love and support unconditionally. He will remain in their hearts and in the hearts of all who knew him. His strength, smile and kindness were gifts he gave so willingly and freely. Services were held on November 16th, 2019 at St. William’s Catholic Church in Naples, Florida. He will be buried in St. Claire cemetery on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 11 AM, along with his wife, Virginia (Gina) Sydeski who recently died on May 29, 2021 in Naples,Fl.

Originally published July 03, 2021.

Other deaths:
"Virginia Sydeski" || "Dorothy M. Miller"