Name: Visitation for Raymond Nemec
Start: 2015-04-21T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-04-22T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home

Raymond J. Nemec, 85, born June 19, 1929 passed away April 17, 2015. Raymond is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Loretta (nee Majerczyk); children, Thomas, Allen (Patti Pasquesi), Alice (Gary Blasen), and Jennifer Nemec; grandchildren, Brook and Stacie Blasen; great granddaughter, Hannah Boleyn; sister-in-laws, Felipa (late Robert) Nemec, Helen (late Martin) Jakubek, and brother-in-law John (Margaret) Majerczyk. Cousins Adelyn Krcek and Dorothy Bero, and many nieces, nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Anastasia (nee Rezabek) Nemec; brother, Robert; parents-in-law, Adolph and Josephine (nee Majka) Majerczyk; infant great granddaughter Makayla Boleyn. Ray was a man of many passions. After his family, came baseball statistics. At age 11, Ray knew he was more interested in statistics then playing; he would calculate his batting average, while running to first base. Ray made his mark as one of baseball's greatest minor league researches. He served as a founding member of SABR, Society for American Baseball Research. In August 1971 he and the group were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. Ray contributed accurate player records to many publications. He served as the official score keeper for the Kane County Cougars in the late 90's. Ray coached and managed a little league team in Downers Grove. His love of numbers translated to a successful career in logistics and planning for Corn Products Co., serving 45 years in various capacities. Another interest was Radio. While serving in the Army, he announced live talent shows on the Armed Forces Radio. He hosted a radio show in the early 70's called, "Music, News & Nemec" airing on WDGC-FM. Growing up near trains fueled a love for LGB train's and Garden Railroading. Ray was a Charter Member of the Antique Doorknob Collectors of America; as a board-member, he spent years as editor of the newsletter. He was a kind, reserved and always-complimentary man. He had an amazing gift for numbers and remembering details. He will be missed by all those who loved him. Visitation will be Tuesday April 21st 3:00-9:00PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill Street, Naperville, IL. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 22nd 11:00am at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 36 N. Ellsworth, Naperville, IL. In lieu of Flowers, donations can made to Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, 310 N River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016, Attn.: Sister M. Phyllis. For information please call 630-355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.com

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Apr. 19, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Nemec

5 Entries

Bill Plott

April 26, 2015

Ray was my first friend in baseball research. Our letter, email and telephone relationship began in 1966. I am deeply sadden by his death and by the fact that he did not get to see my book, which he certainly helped with numerous times over the years. I mailed a copy to him on April 15, two days before his passing. Perhaps the inscription will be meaningful to his family.

Carole Damske

April 22, 2015

Ray was a wonderful person. This poem says it all, rest in peace.

"THE MEASURE OF A MAN"

Not - How did he die? But - How did he live?
Not - What did he gain? But - What did he give?

These are the things that measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.

Not - What was his station? But - had he a heart?
And - How did he play his God-given part?

Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer?
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?

Not - What was his church? Not - What was his creed?
But - Had he befriended those really in need?

Not - What did the sketch in the newspaper say?
But - How many were sorry when he passed away?

These are the things that measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.

Author: Anonymous

Mike Dugan

April 21, 2015

As a fellow member of SABR please accept my sincere condolences.

I was lucky enough to have corresponded a couple in recent years with Ray.He was ALWAYS helpful in my research projects,

I will remember Ray and the family in my daily prayers

April 21, 2015

I only met Ray once at his home in Naperville. I only wish I could have crossed paths with him earlier living as close as we did.
Jerry Jackson (formerly of Joliet, IL)

April 19, 2015

Ray was a great baseball researcher. He was the "Go to person" if you wanted information about a baseball player. Ray was always quick with an answer too. He will be greatly missed by SABR members and many others. I was fortunate to have know him. Rest In Peace Ray.

Gary Fink
Reno, Nevada

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