Raymond George Dellefield

1923 - 2021

Raymond George Dellefield passed away on February 3rd at the age of 97 in Amherst, Ohio following a two-week battle with the Coronavirus.He was born November 5, 1923 in Florence, Ohio and was a lifelong Vermilion and Brownhelm Twp. resident, and a Vermilion High School graduate.In 1944, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Stevenson, and together they settled in Vermilion and had three daughters. Always active in his church, he was most recently a member of the First Baptist Church, where he often volunteered. He also served as a Brownhelm Township Planning Commision member, was a life member of the Ohio Farmers Union, and active in the Commodore Perry Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America.Ray had a life-long passion for cars, and as a young man worked for Schibley - Gerbick Pontiac in Amherst prior to opening Dellefield Auto Body Shop which he owned and operated for 20 years. After retiring from the body shop, Ray pursued a second career in farming, which he did for an additional 30 years.Farming also allowed him time in the winter months to apply his skills as an auto body repairman and master mechanic to his favorite hobby, antique auto restoration. Folks from all across the country sought his advice and expertise and his attention to detail won him many awards, including the prestigious Dearborn Award.Through his many interests, Ray’s love of the outdoors invariably shone through: he always had a vegetable garden, took up maple syrup making, and spent many seasons hunting across the West - and fishing in Canada and New England - with his friends. A big fan of the National Parks system, Ray loved a road trip and could boast that he had travelled all Lower 48 states, several Canadian provinces, and Mexico. He was also an avid reader, with a special interest in history and non-fiction, and in the last few years of his life read nearly 200 books.He is survived by his daughters, Barbara (Michael Plas) Dellefield of Amherst, Marybeth Dellefield of Cleveland, and Amy (Robert Bezek) Dellefield of Oakland, CA; step-sons, Mark (Pricilla) Kirschner of Kipton, John (Cheryl) Kirschner of Amherst, and David (Christine) Kirschner of Centerburg, OH; and several step- grandchildren and great grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his 1st wife, Jean (nee Stevenson) Dellefield; 2nd wife, Phyllis (nee Miller) Kirschner; parents, George and Elizabeth (nee Pape) Dellefield; and his sisters, Marguerite Dellefield, Matilda Boetticher, and Ruth Sliman.Interment will take place at Brownhelm Cemetery at a later date.The family suggests memorial contributions to First Baptist Church, 6716 West River Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089, or The Salvation Army, 4560 Liberty Ave, Vermilion, OH 44089.Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.