Edward John Raley

My Uncle was a huge influence on me during my childhood and a part of the reason I finished my degree later in life . His emphasis on the importance of education including having me tested at an early age and sharing the results helped me to build the resolve and strength to finish my degree. He was a role model of how both strength and kindness can be combined to make a child feel secure and welcome. I remember his laugh, the smell of his pipe , his strong voice and his eloquent stature . As a child I was so proud to have him as my Uncle and Principal . My Aunt Jo and him so deserved the incredibly rich life seen and expressed by their family . His legacy is great and I am confident it will be carried on by them all .
His Canadian Niece, Kimberly Rose

As a child, it didn´t matter which one
( Dad or Uncle Ed ) I went to, they both love all their children the same.
RIP Uncle Ed , I Love You.
Mark Raley

I will always remember uncle Ed´s warm smile and gentle spirit. I feel so fortunate to have visited him recently one last time before passing.

He left behind a devoted wife and loving children, a true measure of his successful person. You´ll be missed by all his nephew, Alan and niece Leeann.

Mr. Raley had a huge effect on many of us young teachers in the early days at Wood Oaks Jr. High. As principal , he created a family atmosphere, supportive and inclusive of many kinds of people--staff, students, and community. He never let us forget that as important as curriculum and policies were, it was the people who counted most. When the school day was over, he often welcomed us into his home in Deerfield for dinners with Joan's famous cheesecake for dessert . After years of working together plus sharing celebrations of life's highest and lowest moments with your family, it was during a visit to his lovingly restored childhood home in Polo that I finally stopped calling him Mr. Raley, and he became Ed. As both Mr. Raley and as Ed, he was an amazing role model for me and for many others. He made the world a better place for being here.

Mr Raley was a wonderful man and a very good principal. He had a kind heart, a ready smile and a warm handshake. Even when a situation was serious he approached it with caring and compassion. May he Rest In Peace and may his memory be a blessing.

Sorry to see your father´s passing, John. It was a life well spent and you are a testament to that good life. Carry on with good memories.

I remember Ed and Joan as friends, but also when Ed was principal at Wood Oaks Junior High School. As Assistant Superintendent with Dr. James Rohrabaugh as Superintendent, we worked closely with the school administrators. Ed was a beloved principal with great empathy for children, his staff, and the parent community. He was such a natural person, never pretentious, often with a chuckle and a smile. There was a calmness and sense of comfort when one entered his building. I always felt too, that there was a sense of family in the district with respect and caring among all concerned: the children, staff, and community. He left a wonderful legacy to those who knew him and worked with him. Sincerely, Charlotte Thiemecke-Floyd

Respects to a gallant man

I just told someone the other day how we had a nice principal at wood oaks- back in the late 70s when I attended. Always greeted us students at the door. Sorry for your loss.

Ed Raley took a chance and hired me -- a 21 year-old, fresh out of college, with a B.A. in education and a lot to learn about teaching and, well, life in general. Ed was my hero and role model. During my 34 years in education, half of them as a school principal, I would often ask myself, "What would Ed Raley do?" and then I had my answer. I loved Ed. When my own father passed away Ed stepped right in and guided me as my "second father". He was so integral to my experience as a person and as an educational leader. I will never forget it. When I was sitting on the fence with regard to moving from the classroom to a principalship, Ed said to me, "You'll always be a teacher, just with a different classroom." He was profound, inspiring, kind, and just about the most wonderful human being that I have ever known. Rest in peace, my hero.

Ed hired me in the Fall of 1974. I had the pleasure of working with him as I taught physical education at Wood Oaks and retired here after 35 years. He was the best principal I had there. A very compassionate man and supportive of his staff.. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Linda Langhorst