Raymond L. Hanzes

Raymond L. Hanzes, 90, of Newton Falls, Ohio, passed away on Friday, October 28, 2022 at his residence with his loving family by his side.  He was born on July 29, 1932 in Warren, Ohio, the son of Frank and Mary (Stager) Hanzes.

At the tender age of 18 in 1950 Ray joined the Marine Corp.  After boot camp at Paris Island SC he took up advanced weapon training at Camp Pendleton California.  Soon he was shipped to Japan then to the South Korean port town of Pusong.  As soon as he docked he was trucked to the front line where he operated .30 caliber air cooled machine gun.  Ray spent 13 months on the front line where he caught shrapnel from a mortar wounding his right arm and right leg.  Ray earned his Purple Heart for bravery during a major conflict and a Korean ribbon with three battle stars for being in three major battles and the United Nations Medal.

Ray was fiercely loyal not only to the Marine Corp but all branches of the military.  He was the Commander of the VFW Post 3332 for a total of 22 years.  He also earned the Man of the Year in 2001 and 2014.  Ray made it his duty to always visit his brothers in failing health in nursing homes or in their homes. He didn’t want anyone forgotten.

Ray worked at Rockwell International for 23 years until they closed and then Republic Steel and LTV Steel as a millwright until he retired in 1995. 

He called Bingo at the American Legion in NF for many years and was loved by all the Bingo ladies especially when they got a bingo.  Until January of this year Ray also kept busy by cleaning the VFW every morning as he did for well over 20 years.  He was a fixture at the VFW Post 3332 that he loved.

Ray also took great pride in his yard and flowers in the summer and enjoying sitting on his porch with a drink.  He was a fan and loved watching ALL Ohio teams, the Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians and Ohio State University.

The great joys in his life were his daughters Patti Hanzes, and Cindy (Joe) Chick both of Newton Falls, grandchildren Jared (Mary Jeffers) Clonch, Erica (Vince) Pramik, and Missy (Nate) Vesey, and great grandchildren Caden, Chace, Conner Clonch, Vinny, Rowan Pramik, and Levi Vesey.

Ray was always ready to attend all his great grandson’s sporting events cheering them all on.  He was very proud of all their accomplishments and will be missed by them.

He will also be missed by his cat Jill and his grand dogs Chance, Cane, Petey and Roxy who went crazy when grandpa visited.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, and his brothers Frank and Vincent Hanzes.

The family’s heartfelt thanks go to Traditions Health, Hospice & Palliative Care, especially his nurse Ashley.

Family and friends may call at the Bernard P. Borowski Memorial Home on Thursday, November 3, from 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM.  Then from 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM Ray will be honored for his service to our country by the Newton Falls Veterans Organization and the US Marine Corp.

A Celebration of Life will follow at Newton Falls VFW Post 3332 where you can share a meal and a story of Ray.

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