Raymond Bluey

Raymond “Ray” Bluey, 79, of White Plains, MD, died August 18, 2011, in the loving presence of his youngest daughter Barbara and oldest grandchild Charles. A Korean War veteran, Raymond resided in Charlotte Hall Veterans Home with Hospice care until a few days before death when he was moved to the intensely attentive tender-comfort and care of Hospice House of St. Mary’s County in Callaway, MD. Born in Nanticoke PA on November 28, 1931 Raymond was the son of immigrant parents the late Wasyl Bluey (Ukrainian) and Mary Meko-Bluey (Austria/Hungarian). Wasyl a coal minor died of black lung when Raymond the youngest of eight children was in grade school. A handful for his mother the mischievous young Raymond was under the watchful care of his sisters. In fact, during his last months at home, his children and caretakers became used to responding to their names: Olga and Millie. Of his siblings, Anna Bukosi, Mary Matson, Michael, Theodore, Helen Krzyznieski, Olga Waganka, and Amelia Orlando, he is survived by brother Mike and sister Olga and brothers-in-law Joe Krzyzsnieski and Carl Orlando. During military service in Korea he bravely served in the U.S. Army 5th Regimental Combat Team where he established a lifetime of unpleasant memories but a lifetime of blessed friendships especially that shared with JP (Jeanette) Bridges of NC. Ray looked forward to yearly attendance at his 5th RCT Reunions. After his service Ray lived in Washington, DC and met his late wife Liz while driving a street car. Young Elizabeth worked at Peoples Drug downtown. They married in 1957 beginning a warm relationship with father and mother in-law the late Samuel and Hazel Booher Phillips, sisters Rosa (Harold “Red”) Cox, Kate Phillippi, Joyce (George) Holmes, brothers late James (Bernice), late William (Eva Mae), Junior (Elsie), B.J. (Sue), Gene and Floyd. Raymond and Elizabeth raised three children who survive him Ann Marie, Patricia Lynn (Robb Bergett) and Barbara Jean (David Molina). Grandsons Charles, Christopher, Nicholas and Anthony Hair, Michael (Mikey) and Marcos Bluey-Molina and step-grandchild Matthew Molina survive. He is also survived by Godsons Ron (Sharon) Orlando and Jefrey Ramirez a DC policeman. The bulk of his working life he served as a foreman at Ceco Steel Corporation in DC. He was responsible for the group of men who cut huge steel rebars to order. Elizabeth became resident manager of apartment buildings; this was Raymond’s second job. He was of course on-call for emergencies but did minor repairs to the buildings, painted and kept the grounds neat. Raymond was a member of Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Parish for over 50 years and devoted much of his time after retirement serving in whatever capacity needed but most enjoyed was the Wednesday evening Bingo fundraiser. As a Knights of Columbus member he served to better not only his church community but his world community. He oriented his grandsons to this service and set a fine example. He was a member of the American Legion. Ray loved his neighbors in White Plains. When no longer able to keep the house and lawn and do the bulk grocery shopping he enjoyed sitting outside with all the neighborhood and local traffic activity. He continued to show his independent streak riding his “scooter” (electric wheelchair) down the street. He is survived by his dog-companion little Darla who was with him always and though up in years is adapting to his absence. He was an avid and faithful Washington Redskins fan. Caretaker and friend to “Pop- Pop” Raymond is survived by his caretaker for the year before his passing Tina Hale who stepped in with initiative and energy. Tina blessed him with the company of her children Martina, Briana, Ruby, and DJ as well as their father Jerome “Charlie” who brought many laughs and good happy times. Visitation will be on Thursday, August 25, 2011, from 3-5 PM at Raymond Funeral Chapel, 5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646. An additional viewing will be on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 from 11 AM to 11:45 AM at the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family, 4250 Harewood Road, NE, Washington, DC 20017. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2011, at 12 Noon at the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family. Rev. Robert Hitchins will officiate and Charles Hair will be altar server. Interment will be at 2PM at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Christopher, Nicholas and Anthony Hair, Michael Bluey-Molina, Matthew Molina and Jefrey Ramirez. Honorary Pallbearers will be the United States Army Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to The Raymond Bluey Memorial Fund, c/o NRL Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 1026, Oxon Hill, MD 20750.

Raymond Bluey

November 28, 1931 - August 18, 2011