Ray Sarkees

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT*** On Saturday, July 30,  2022 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in downtown Wilmington,  Military Honors will be accorded to Mr. Ray Sarkees. We give notice each time these events happen to let the public know rifle fire will ring out, as we wish to not incite panic in the surrounding area(s). The honors will take place at approximately 11:15 a.m., following Mass of Christian Burial Service inside the church, as we honor Mr. Sarkees for his dedication to our Country serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #49 Honor Guard of Wilmington.       *FOLLOWING ALL SERVICES* Friends are invited to celebrate Ray's life by gathering at the VFW, 1130 N. Lincoln St., Wilmington. The Celebration will begin at 1:00 p.m. Please think of Ray's family during their time of grief. Thank you.

Ray Sarkees, age 71, of Wilmington, passed away in the morning hours on Saturday, July 23, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer in which his smiling, positive attitude along with his graceful, humble demeanor set an example for all those that shared in his battle. He was born September 10, 1950 in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania son of the late William and Dorothy (Quay) Sarkees. Ray was a friend to all he met and he never met a stranger. Ray was a proud Veteran of the United States Army serving during the Vietnam era and continued to be a staunch patriot for the land that he loved. Professionally, Ray had worked for Entenmann's Bakery, the Walmart Corporation and most recently with Bennett Realty in Wilmington where he served as President on the Clinton County Board of Realtors. He attended St. Columbkille Catholic Church and was a member of both the Wilmington Fraternal Order of Eagles #1224 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6710. Ray loved playing euchre and pinochle, as well as, singing or listening to his wife Debbie sing karaoke. His greatest love was his family... from coaching his girls in softball to spending time with grandchildren he adored. He took great pride in his family. Ray was an avid sports fan who enjoyed his beloved Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies as well as being known for critiquing Ohio's lack of good cheese-steak compared to those in Philly. Ray leaves behind his loving wife Debbie (Holdren) Sarkees of Wilmington, to whom he married August 26, 2005 ; daughters, Rebecca (David) Podhiny of Downingtown, Pennsylvania and Stacie (Paul) Moore of Jackson, Ohio; grandchildren, SPC Kathleen Miller, Abigail Miller, Kylie Miller, Tyler Podhiny, and George Podhiny, all of Downingtown, as well as, LT. Preston Taylor, Emily Brewer, J.D.,
Remington Moore, and Lawson Moore, all of Jackson, Ohio; son in law, Walter Anderson of Kutztown, Pennsylvania; sisters, Cecelia Jurata of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania and Connie (Edward) Reilley of Gibertsville, Pennsylvania; sister in law, Linda (Bob) Schaeffing of Wilmington, Ohio; brothers in law, Joe Holdren of Wilmington, Ohio, Bill (Debbie) Holdren of Centerville, Ohio; many nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends; also his loving dog, Darla and cat, Sadie will miss his presence. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, William and Dorothy Sarkees; daughter, Melissa Anderson; son in law, Kenneth Miller; and brother, William Sarkees. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated 10:00 am Saturday, July 30, 2022 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Wilmington. Father Bernard J. Weldisofer will be the Celebrant. Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #49 Honor Guard of Wilmington following Mass. Visitation will be held Friday, July 29, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington. Following services on Saturday friends are invited to join in celebrating Ray's life at the VFW, 1130 N. Lincoln St. starting at 1:00 p.m. Memorial donations in Ray's honor may be made to the American Legion Post #49 Honor Guard, 140 E. Locust St., Wilmington, Ohio 45177 or to the Clinton County Humane Society, 176 Fife Ave., Wilmington, Ohio 45177. Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington, is assisting the family. To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.arehart-brown.com, or see our Facebook page, Brown Funeral Home.
 

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