Raymond Rondo Mullaney

1952 - 2011

Honorable Colonel Raymond Rondo Mullaney, 59 years of age, from Star Tannery, Virginia passed away suddenly on October 17, 2011, at 1:15 p.m., at Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, following complications and a courageous battle after surgery.

He was born on March 10, 1952, in Ellicott City, Maryland. Raymond is predeceased by his mother Beatrice "Betty" June Smallwood – Hough and step-father John Lester (Zeke) Hough of Charles Town, West Virginia. He graduated from Charles Town High School in 1971, and received a degree in Architectural Drafting and Technical Engineering, from James Rumsey Technical Institute in Martinsburg, WV.

Raymond was a devoted loving spouse and an exemplary father. He is survived by Teresa M Redmon – Mullaney, spouse, and the significant love of his life; and the loving father of Shannon D. Mullaney, his only endearing and exceptional daughter… born to him and Freda Mullaney on November 11, 1984.. Raymond's commitment was first and foremost to ensure that Daddy's girl made it through hard times and dedicated special time to share the extraordinary moments. He took his role as father very sincerely. While this role definitely came with a significant amount of pressure there was nothing more gratifying for a father, than having his little girl look up to him and hope one day that his endearing daughter finds a man just like him and who can live up to his expectations for the daughter he loves so dearly. Raymond loved his daughter like no other man on this earth. He was her beacon in dark and cloudy times, and best friend at all times for "daddy's girl." As a loving father, Raymond instilled into Shannon the greatest gift imaginable ….his spirit and his compassion. Therefore, as long as Shannon D. Mullaney, "Daddy's Girl" walks this earth...so will Raymond R. Mullaney, as their souls are identical.

Raymond is survived by one sibling - Cindy Legg, his magnificent and kindhearted sister, from Charles Town, WV. Yes, for those who really knew Raymond they knew family unity was significant to him and there were many family members responsible for the man he became. These rewarding and surviving family members are William and (Aunt) Linda Catlett, Bunker Hill WV.; Eddie & (Cousin) Georgiana Lang & (2nd Cousin) Marissa Lang, Bunker Hill, WV. ; (Niece) Danielle Legg and (Niece) Lauren Legg, Charles Town, WV.; (Great Nephew) Owen Utterback, Charlestown, WV.; Uncle Garland & Carroll Smallwood, Louisville, KY., Uncle Rondo & Charlotte Smallwood, Jr., Charles Town, WV., Uncle Donald "Donnie" Ray & Anne Rutherford, Vienna, VA., (Aunt) Libby Loudenslager Westminster, MD., Donna & J.P. Burns (Cousin), Charles Town, WV. Predeceased family members who assisted in Raymond's up bringing also were…Rondo & Ethel Smallwood, Sr. (Grandparents), Aunt Mae Bell McDonald, Charles Town, WV.

Visitation will be held Monday, October 24, 2011 from 6 to 9 p.m. and a memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the Melvin T Strider Colonial Funeral Home in Charles Town, WV. The service will be conducted by Donald Ray "Donnie" Rutherford and close family, and friends of Raymond R Mullaney.

A memorial service honoring Brother Raymond Mullaney's Fraternal Order of Moose life will be held at the Strasburg, VA Moose Lodge at a later date Family and Friends are welcome. Please check Virginia Moose Website for date and time.

Memorial Donation: The family asks that a contribution to be made to: Secret Passage Ranch in honor of Colonel Raymond Mullaney for Victory for Veterans Wounded Warriors, 321 Spring Mountain Way, Fort Valley, VA 22652 (540)933-6564 http://www.secretpassageranch.com/tec.html

Memorial Fund: a fund will be established in honor Raymond Mullaney for the children at Virginia House at Moose Heart for musical instrument (piano or photography equipment) in lieu of flowers.

A special thank you to all the nurses and doctors at Winchester Medical Center…. You made a difference….You allowed him to remain at peace because of your professionalism and care. He felt safe in your hands…your concern and perseverance allowed him to carry on with confidence in the safety of your care.

A extraordinary appreciation to the nurses on CCC4100, CCC4300 and BLES7100 stations. Raymond's loss had to be as hard on you as it was the family. He had such a contagious compassion for life and a sense of humor that broke the distressing atmosphere of medical facilities. I need not mention names…. It applied to all attending to him at Georgetown University Hospital. As the end neared Raymond's family expressively observed the professional call of duty going above and beyond… Thank you will never be enough for the sacrifice you made on his and his family's behalf in CCC 4300 at Georgetown University Hospital.

A special thank you to associates, friends and family whom supported us during these difficult times. You know who you are and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Please sign the online guestbook and view his obituary at www.mtstrider.com

View the entire obituary at nvdaily.com