Ray J. Pazder

DOVER - Ray J. Pazder died peacefully at home on Sunday Feb. 15, 2015. Ray was born June 9, 1926 in Buchanan, Michigan to the late Edwin and Edith Pazder. He graduated from Buchanan High School in 1944. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving our country in the South Pacific during WWII. Following the war and his return to Michigan, Ray began a new career with the J.C. Penney Co. in Niles, Michigan. His first position was in the stockroom. Ray developed a love for retailing and quickly worked his was up to management. Each promotion brought with it a relocation. The transfers took Ray and his family to several places within the states of Michigan and Ohio. In 1968, Ray was asked to relocate to Dover, Del. to close the downtown J.C. Penney store and oversee the opening of a modern store at the new Blue Hen Mall. Next, he accepted a transfer to Langhorne, Pa. where in 1973 he opened a store at the Oxford Valley Mall. The final move was back to Dover in 1978. A career highlight was meeting Mr. J.C. Penney on a few different occasions and attending his funeral at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Ray's career with the company lasted 41 years until his retirement in 1987. Despite his success with the J.C. Penney Company, his proudest accomplishment remained his family. He enjoyed many moments together with them, especially family vacations and the Christmas holiday. The grandchildren, too, have many fond memories of spending time with Pop-Pop. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Robert Pazder and his wife Josephine; sister, Geraldine Machalleck and her husband Robert and sister, Donna Borst and her husband Warren. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Betty Pazder of Dover; daughters, Pamela Hill and her husband Dave of Camden, Del., Deborah Campbell and her husband Robert of Newark, Del.; grandchildren, Richard Campbell of Wilmington, Del., Charlene Campbell of Philadelphia, Pa., Elaina Hill of Manchester, N.H., Mark Hill of Dover, Del., and Keith Campbell of Boston, Mass. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2p.m., Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 at Torbert Funeral Chapel South 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover. Friends may call one hour prior. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to Helen F. Graham Cancer Center Office of Development, 13 Reads Way Suite 203, New Castle, DE 19720. Letters of condolences may be sent and guest book signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.