Raymond Joseph Demski

June 21, 1934 ~ July 17, 2024 (age 90)

Raymond (Ray) J. Demski, a life-long resident of South Bend, Indiana, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, July 17, at Memorial Hospital at the age of 90.

Ray was born in South Bend to Marion and Mary (Goralski) Demski, and had one sister, Esther Splawski, all precededing him in death. He married his high school sweetheart, Patricia (Jagla) Demski in 1960 and they cherished a 64-year marriage. Ray was a veteran of the United States Army and served overseas in the late 1950’s. 

Ray retired in 1991 after serving as a Circulation Manager at the South Bend Tribune for over 35 years. He enjoyed being on the go, so he embarked on a second career with Johnstone Supply as a driver after his retirement.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Ray was deeply devoted to his family and his faith. Family travels included many vacations to Florida, and as a sports enthusiast, to numerous ballparks and stadiums across the country, creating enduring memories. His commitment to community service was evident in his 36 years of volunteerism with the Sunburst Race in South Bend and his role as a dedicated photographer assistant and pressbox volunteer at Notre Dame home football games. Ray also loved music. He played in a Polish band called The Blue Knights, and he and Pat especially loved the music of Elvis Presley. Ray provided entertainment at family gatherings by playing a selection of songs on the organ. Pat and Ray were lifelong members of St. Casimir Church where Ray belonged to the Married Men’s Club.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia, and their four children: Gayle Fozo (Greg), Sharon Rankert (Brett), Gary Demski (Kelly), and Nancy Demski, all of South Bend, Indiana. He was a loving grandfather to Joshua Fozo (Ashleigh) of South Bend, Ariel Yoder (Landon) of Nappanee, Indiana, Olivia Fozo, Zach Fozo, and Lukas Fozo, all of South Bend, and Justin Rankert, currently serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. He also leaves behind four great-grandsons and a special nephew, David Splawski, Sr.

A viewing will be held at St. Joseph Funeral Home on Friday July 19, from 4:00-7:00 p.m., with a rosary at 3:30 p.m.. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Casimir on Saturday, July 20, at 11:00 a.m. where Ray's life will be celebrated and remembered by all who were touched by his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family and community.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization that Ray was passionate about.

Source: Newspapers.com

07/18/2024 EJS