Schlitzer, Raymond E.

Raymond E Schlitzer 1928-2021
Predeceased by wife Jean Shults Schlitzer, son Larry Schlitzer, stepdaughter Nancy Curry Gasper and sister Ruth Schlitzer May.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Dolores B Schlitzer.
Children: Mary Ann (Thomas Maszerowski), Raymond W. (Jean Ciulla), William (Patricia), Thomas ( Catherine Oliver), Peter and Marta Schlitzer, Carla Raushenplat (wife of Larry)
Step children:
Keith (Jane) Curry, Jeffery Curry, Michael (Dianne) Curry, Kathleen Curry (Martin Roberts)

Grandchildren: 
Alanna and Elizabeth Maszerowski, 
Benjamin, Andrew, Jordan and Steven (Breanna) Schlitzer
Step grandchildren:
Shaun (Shannon), Ryan, Nicolas,   Amber, Connor, and Shane Curry,
James, Jonathan (Teri Perillo), Andrew (Kaitlin) Olek
Great grandchildren:
Lucy and Alexander Olek

There was a giant family that got even bigger and the adventures kept coming…

Ray was born on Jan 8 1928 in Rochester NY to his father Fred and Anna Schlitzer. He was second in line after his sister Ruth. He spent his school years at East High School with buddies Jimmy Ciulla, Tom Lodato, Bill Knapp, Dave Swift, who would be lifelong friends. As all good men of his era did- they enlisted in the US Army upon graduation. Ray served in WWII in Italy with the Signal Corps. After the War he returned to his hometown of Rochester. Next thing he knows is he was in love with a beautiful girl named Jean Shults- Thanks to his friendship with Jim Ciulla. They were married in 1953. Then there came 7 children over the next 13 years. 

Ray spent the majority of his career (38years) at RG&E as a Line Forman. After some years in the city of Rochester the family moved to the suburbs of Fairport NY where they became members of church of St John of Rochester. He was an active parishioner of St John of Rochester church for over 50 years- ushering Sunday mass and always in hand to help with fix-it’s with his fellow parishioners Owen Hynes “Hutch”. He was also helped grow local Boy Scout troop 325 with Glenn Huey and, of course, his 5 boys (and a bear. There was always a bear in the story!)

Tragedy befell the family as Ray’s beloved wife Jean died at age 50. The family was left to rely on Ray, their  extended family and community to get them through the difficult times. But Ray led a strong bunch!

Some years later another beautiful bride was sent to Ray via a dinner dance at St John of Rochester. Dolores came with her 5 children to make the family and even dozen children on August 2nd 1980 at St John of Rochester church.

The years flew by with adventures, weddings, triumphs, some tragic times, a leech field, and a whole bunch of grandchildren. (He’s so proud of those grandchildren!)

Ray loved the outdoors, including hunting with his crew, including his good buddy from RG&E Norm Swift and his boys. He also enjoyed fishing especially after retirement with his Grandkids. 

Ray retired with Dolores on Santa Drive (oh so appropriate!) where they spent 30 years enjoying their family and neighbors. As they aged neighbors Doug and Jackie Mitchell became key to laughs on the porch and lawnmower maneuvers. In their later years Doug and Jackie were so kind to be key in helping out with daily meals. 

After a stay at Heathwood Assisted Living, Ray and Dolores were fortunate to move together to Fairport Baptist Home, where Ray passed on October 5th 2021. He worked hard until his very end. The staff recalls him cracking jokes just weeks before his passing. 

Ray will be remembered for his ability to float in a lake on his back for hours, his projects around the house with his kids, always being there for his beautiful wife (both of them❤️), a fabulous and funny step-dad who mantra was “ very simple, very easy” AND an always growing family!!! A good neighbor, ready to lend a hand or tool, or relax over a beer. And all around fun guy.

Calling hours @ Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Rd Fairport NY from 4-6pm on Tuesday October 12th
Funeral Mass @ St John of Rochester 8 Wickford Way Fairport NY Wednesday October 13 at 11am

Rays funeral mass, at St John of Rochester will be live streamed Wednesday October 13th at 11am for those who are unable to attend:

https://www.stjohnfairport.org/live-stream-mass