Raymond Paul Shoviak

Raymond Paul Shoviak, 91, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2009 at St. Luke's Hospital. He was born on August 4, 1918 in Toledo, Ohio, the youngest son of Paul Szczechowiak and Mary Ann Bykowski. Raymond graduated from Vocational High School and worked for Toledo Community Traction and Tarta first as a trolley driver, an electric street car driver and later as a bus driver, retiring in 1985 after 46 years of service. He married Rita Buell on Nov. 8, 1941; Rita preceded him in death in June of 2001. Ray served in WWII in the 62nd Navy Construction Battalion or "Seabee's" from November 1942 to November 1945 in the South Pacific. This service included landing on Iwo Jima on February 19th, 1945 and leaving in October of 1945. Ray enjoyed stamp collecting, growing roses, bowling at Imperial Lanes in the "Latest Addition" league, loved Tiger baseball, football and attending car shows with his son, Tony Shoviak. Ray was a member of the Lake Erie British Car Club (where he was the 2009 "Goodfellow Award" recipient)sharing his son's interest in MG's and enjoying the camaraderie of the club members who were like a second family to him. A recent highlight of his life was being able to take part in the September 16th Honor Flight trip to Washington DC along with his son, Tony. Ray was an active member of St. Pius X parish. Ray is survived by his two children: Mary Lou (Bud) Hart and Tony (Janet) Shoviak; three granddaughters: Tami (Steve) Gilmore, Lian Shoviak, and Maya Grace Shoviak; five great-grandchildren: Aaron Lindhorst, Ariel Gilmore, Autumn Gilmore, Deacon Gilmore and Dylan Gilmore. All were special to him and dearly loved. Special thanks to the staff at Heartland of Waterville, Mercy St.Vincent Hospital, Respiratory Specialists Inc, St. Luke's Hospital, and St. Luke's Pulmonary Rehab for all their care and concern. A million thanks to the Lake Erie British Car Club members and many friends who showered Ray with cards, visits and phone calls during his illness. Visitation will be held at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. in Toledo on Sunday December 20th from 6-8 p.m. and on Monday from 2:00 pm to 8:00 p.m. A Scripture Service will be held on Monday at 7:00 p.m. The funeral will begin at 9:15 am Tuesday December 22, 2009 with a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at St. Pius X Church at 10:00 a.m. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Donations in Ray's memory can be made to the St. Pius X building fund or to Honor Flight of NW Ohio.

Raymond Paul Shoviak

August 4, 1918 - December 17, 2009