Ronald J. Rainey, 70, of Marion, passed away Thursday, April 26, 2012 at Marion General Hospital.
Ron was born in Cleveland, Ohio on November 30, 1941 to Joseph and Mary (Marshner) Rainey.
He graduated from North Royalton High School in 1960 and Kent State University in 1965, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education.
Ron’s position with GTE brought him and his wife Janet and their family to Marion from Erie, PA in 1980. Ron retired from GTE in 1996 after a 27-year career as Manager of Buildings, Fleet and Energy. He went on to serve as Area Director for the Marion Cancer Society and led the office to national accolades with the annual Cancer Stereothon fundraiser.
Sailing on Lake Erie was a lifelong passion for Ron. He skippered five boats to Boat of the Year in the Erie MORC fleet in Erie, PA and served a term as Commander of the Marion Sail and Power Squadron. He and his family spent their summers sailing in Sandusky Bay.
Ron is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Janet (Gabauer) Rainey, daughter Jill L. (Ken) Walls of Sunbury, son Jeffrey R. (Jill) Rainey of Marion, granddaughter Abigail Janet Walls of Sunbury as well as many cousins and friends. Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Rainey and younger brother Dennis Rainey.
His family will greet friends and loved ones from 4 – 7 p.m. on Monday, April 30, at Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center Street in Marion. Services celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 249 E. Center Street, Marion, with Rev. Colleen Ogle officiating. Burial will follow at Marion Cemetery.
Flowers are accepted and memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Ron’s family, and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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