Raymond P. Ornelas, Sr.

Lowellville – A prayer service will be held at 1:00 pm followed by a military service on, Saturday, November 16, at Clemente Funeral Home in Struthers for Raymond P. Ornelas, Sr. who died at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11.

Ray was born October 10, 1932 in Lowellville a son of Ascencion and Katherine Carrocce Ornelas.

He attended Struthers schools for twelve years. After leaving school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps with basic training at Paris Island. Ray served in Korea from 1951 until 1953, where he served as a demolition expert with Dog Co. Engineers. After returning state side, he served in Quantico Virginia until he was discharged in June of 1954. He worked at the Youngstown Sheet & Tube from 1955 until he retired in 1984. He was hired by the Mahoning County Veterans in 1992 to transport veterans to the VA hospitals in Brecksville and Cleveland and also served as the Mahoning County Service Commissioner. Ray helped to organize the Struthers Little Wildcats football program in 1969. He helped to organize the Youngstown Hardhats Minor League football team and became its General Manager in 1976. He was a member of the Struthers VFW 3538 and served at one point as its Sr.Vice Commander.  In 2008, he was selected as by the United Veterans Association as “Veteran of the Year” for his service to the community and Veterans.

Ray leaves his son Raymond P. Ornelas, Jr. of Naples, FL, one daughter Pamela J. Ornelas (Kimberly Hunsbarger) of Youngstown, three brothers Lawrence (Virginia) Ornelas of Howland, Richard (Marguerite) Ornelas of Queens, NY, and Daniel (Carol) Ornelas of Struthers, longtime companion Wanda Thompson of Lowellville, a sister-in-law, Joyce Ornelas, four grandchildren Michael, Sarah Martha, Nicholas and Joseph Ornelas and one great grandchild, Maximus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Michael R. Ornelas, and a brother David Ornelas.

Friends may call at the Clemente Funeral Home in Struthers on Saturday, November 16, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent at www.ClementeFuneralHomes.com.

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