John Robert Ray III

John Robert Ray III, 88, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona.

John was born on March 21, 1936 to Thelma (Schilling) and John Robert Ray, Jr. in Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating Peabody High School in Pittsburgh, PA, John served in the U.S. Air Force as a Voice Intercept Protocol Specialist, learning Mandarin at Yale University to intercept and translate chemical warfare communications at the demilitarized zone during the Korean war. He earned a Good Conduct Medal. John earned Bachelors of Arts degrees in Chemistry and Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Ph.D. in polymer science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He worked as a Senior Chemist for 16 years at Westinghouse, specializing in molecular spectroscopy and chromatography, then as a Senior Product Specialist for 15 years at Perkin-Elmer Corp in the robotics line. Upon retirement he served as Adjunct Professor of Analytical Chemistry at LaRoche College, and taught children at Fenster School.

John was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates fan, and had countless interests and hobbies. An avid reader and learner, John was well-versed in many topics, most recently focusing on astronomy and languages. He volunteered as a docent at Kitt Peak Observatory. And out of devotion to his grandchildren, he spent considerable time studying Spanish and Japanese, in addition to the many other languages he knew. He had an affinity for technology and new programming languages, always building a new, best model. He enjoyed most sports, especially women's college basketball, because of their teamwork. John was always up for a movie, having fun childhood memories of Saturday matinees. He was actively involved in his community, and his widespread philanthropy centered on the local food bank, Doctors Without Borders, American Red Cross, and League of Women Voters.

John was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Deane Ray; and by his sister-in-law, Anne Winter.

John is survived by his wife and best friend of over 50 years, Mary Ray; two children, John Robert Ray IV (Rochelle), Judy Brown (Ron), 4 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, his sister Carole Piriano, 12 nieces and nephews, and their children; 4 step-grandchildren, 1 great step-grandchild, 3 nieces-in-law and their 5 children, and his sister-in-law, Peg Volinsky.

The family will hold a small, private Celebration of Life ceremony at Vivace Restaurant in Tucson.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona at: https://www.communityfoodbank.org/mc-locations/tucson/

The family is being assisted by Neptune Society Cremation Services.