Raymond Bruce Hathaway Jr.

Raymond Bruce Hathaway Jr. 68, of Girard died on Saturday May 4, 2024 at Sarah Reed Senior Living following an illness.

  Ray was born July 15, 1955 in Erie, a son of the late R. Bruce, Sr. and Joyce E. (Nash) Hathaway.

  He graduated from Girard's Rice Avenue Union High School in 1973. While a senior in high school Ray enlisted in the United States Navy. Immediately following high school, he attended Basic Training at Great Lakes, graduating June of 1973. He then attended school at Millington TN, NAS, studying Anti-Submarine Warfare (Aviation). He was later stationed at NAS North Island (Coronado Island), for SERE School, (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape).  He served his Naval Career in California, serving initially with VP-31 Patrol Squadron and later with VP-46, "The Grey Knights" hunting subs aboard the P-3B Orion, "The Eyes in the Sky" throughout the Western Pacific Theater.

  Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned home and began working in the construction and carpentry trades. He moved to St. Thomas Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, and continued in the construction and hurricane recovery business. He also worked in construction in Anderson, SC at Lazer Construction, returning to St. Thomas in the commercial construction trade. In 2000, he returned home to Girard and worked for Building Systems Inc. for a time before he attended Fortis Institute, where he learned the welding trade. Most recently Ray has been employed at General Electric (Wabtec), where he was hired in 2004.

  He was a member and past Service Officer at the Girard American Legion Post #494.  Ray enjoyed fishing, golfing and music in the park. He was also an avid Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians fan.

  His family includes a fiancé, Patti Kreider; a sister, Valerie J. Smith (Wayne); family members Theresa Szychowski (Rick); John Kreider Jr; Robert Kreider; David Kreider; Kevin Kreider (Amber); Alyssa and Abby Szychowski; Ethan and Lilyan Kreider; Arlo and Harrison Kreider and many cousins.

  Friends may call on Tuesday May 7, 2024 from 5:00 to 8:00pm at Edder Funeral Home Inc., 309 Main St. East, Girard. A Funeral Service will be held there the following day, Wednesday at 10:00 am with Pastor Debbie Rimmer officiating. Burial will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

  Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 494, 42 Wall St., Girard, PA 16417; Trout Unlimited www.nwpatrout.org; Lake City Presbyterian Church 10088 Seeley St., Lake City, PA 16423

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