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Ray Nearhood Obituary
Born in Philipsburg, Pa., son of Janet Densham Nearhood, Morrisdale, Pa., and the late Russell Nearhood, he was a founding member of St. Thomas More Parish at St. Joseph's Church, North Scranton. Ray was a graduate of West Branch High School, Morrisville, and Williamsport Area Community College, where he received an associate degree in social work. He continued his education at Penn State University in Middletown, Pa., where he achieved a bachelor of humanities and a master's degree in public administration. He was previously employed as the city manager of Altoona, followed by interim city administrator of Nanticoke and as general municipal authority administrator for Nanticoke. He also served as township manager for Falls Twp. in Fairless Hills, Pa., and as business administrator for Easton, Pa. Ray also conducted research and provided advisory services for the Pennsylvania Economy League for municipal, county, school district and state governments. He was also the Bensalem Twp. manager in Bucks County and was CEO of planning and zoning officer for Lower Paxton Twp. in Dauphin County. Throughout his career in public administration, Ray assisted many municipalities in implementing numerous programs that resulted in improved fiscal stability and strong foundations for future success. A city under his guidance was awarded the 1999 Governor's Award for local government excellence in intergovernmental cooperation. Ray also served on the board for Pennsylvanians for Human Life and before his accident, Ray was a candidate for state representative in the 112th Legislative District due to his love for his country as a fiscal conservative and as a constitutional originalist.
Ray's concern for humankind extends beyond his life since he donated his eyes so others may see.
Also surviving are a daughter, Tara Favata and husband, Peter; three sons, Justin, Gregory and Ray Nearhood Jr.; a granddaughter, Alexis Favata; four brothers, Russell Neil, William, David and Mark; a sister, Linda; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Saturday with Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Thomas More Parish at St. Joseph's Church, 1625 N. Main Ave., Scranton, to be celebrated by the Rev. Eric Bergman, pastor. Interment wlll be Monday at 1 p.m. at Allport Cemetery, Clearfield County, Pa.
Friends may call Saturday, 10 to 11, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas More Parish, 116 Theodore St., Scranton, PA 18508.
Arrangmements, Neil W. Regan Funeral Home Inc., 1900 Pittston Ave., Scranton.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ray Nearhood
William Speare
April 7, 2013
I am very sorry to hear of Ray's passing.
Randolph & Cecilia Vilches
April 7, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Janet Jaken
April 5, 2013
Thank you, Ray for being such a Great American. We the Tea Party will honor you now and always.
David Kveragas
April 5, 2013
Renee and family,
Ray was a dear friend, true gentleman and passionate patriot. I have many happy memories of him, including the last time I was with him, the night of the Lackawanna County Independence Day event. He taught me a lot about many things and for that I will always think of him daily.
No matter what his spirt will stay with those of us he touched. We are all better for having known him.
April 5, 2013
Dear Renee and family,
I am so sorry for your lost. It should give you comfort to know he is at peace. We won't be able to make the funeral and will continue to pray for all of you.
Sincerely,
Kelly Densham Copa, 1st cousin of Rays.
dan maddas
April 5, 2013
renee and family i am so sorry for loss. my name is dan and i live in california and a friend of lindas. i have met ray a few times through linda. so i had just recently found out what was going on. this is for the whole family may god give you the strengh to carry on as the coming days for rays final resting place comes near..gie the family the strength they need to say there final farewells to ray. please protect them as they are traveling from where ever they are coming from to bid there fiknal farewells to ray. ray is in a much better place right now watch over all of you and he is protecting all of you with the power of god as the days for his final resting are at hand. for linda and her mom im sorry im not back there to be there for you as extra comfort for you but i will be there in spirit so if you need anything call or text me im right here. my final words may god bless each and everyone of you during this time in need and may you be blessed with happiness with the spirit of rays memories. god bless you all
Kenn Anderson
April 5, 2013
Renee, Ray, and the rest of the Nearhood family: We will all miss Ray's presence here, but he is with God now, waiting for us to join him. Until then, we will do our best to carry on his ideals.
Laureen Cummings
April 4, 2013
Renee and family,
Just a note to offer my deepest sympathy on your loss. Many hearts are heavy tonight and mourn along side of you all, mine included. If any of you need anything, anything at all, do not hesitate to ask. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. To you Ray, Rest in peace my friend..Rest in Peace.
Joe Olivetti
April 4, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Met Ray through the TEA Party and he was a true patriot and will be missed.
Laureen Cummings
April 4, 2013
Renee & Family,
Many hearts are heavy today. We all share in your grief and sadness. Ray will remain in the thouhts and prayers of all that knew him. He was a gentle, kind man who loved you all so very much. A man who also loved the Lord and was not afraid to show it.He worked so very hard to make a difference in his community. I will miss him terribly, as I know many will. He is surely in Heaven.. along side others that have gone before him. I miss them all and will continue to keep them and all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Always know that if you ever need anything I, as well as many others, are here to support & help you in any way that we can. And to you Ray, May you Rest in peace my friend...rest in peace.
April 4, 2013
Renee
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Diane (Pluciennik) Musewicz
Theresa Sensi
April 4, 2013
Dear Renee, Ray, and Family
Very sorry for your loss. I know that Ray is in Peace now I'll continue praying for his eternal rest. You are all in my thoughts and prayers! Sincerely Theresa Sensi
Patti Farry
April 4, 2013
Although I did not know Ray for long, I feel that I came to know him well. I found Ray to have the soft-spoken voice befitting his intellect and his love of God, family, and country. I will cherish the short time that I knew him; he and his family will always be in my prayers. Go with God, Ray
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