Raymond Butsack

Raymond L. Butsack, 73, of Mohrsville, died July 8 in his home.

Ray was the husband of Linda A. (Ahlquist) Butsack.

He was born in Reading and was the son of the late Louis and Anna C. (Jansure) Butsack.

After graduating from Reading High School in 1956, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an Airman Recruit. He attended boot camp with the Shoo-fly Company of the Distlefink Battalion and continued his military service until completion in 1959.

His Air Traffic Control career in the Federal Aviation Agency began in March 1960 in Colorado Springs, CO. It continued on to include towers in Newark, N.J., as an Air Traffic Control Specialist; JFK Airport (CIFFR), N.Y., as a Supervisor; Morristown, NJ as Air Traffic Manager; and in 1977 he returned to his hometown of Reading, PA, where he became the Chief Air Traffic Manager at the Reading Airport.

In December 1979, one significant point in his career, he was instrumental in getting radar installed at the Reading Airport, improving the safety for air travelers. Throughout the course of Ray's FAA profession he attended Management Training School in Lawton, OK; Dowling College in Oakdale, L.I., NY; and Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ; and the FAA Center for Management Development in Palm Coast, FL, all to fortify his Business Management abilities. Ray was with FAA Air Traffic for over 36 years until his retirement in January 1994.

Upon his retirement, he began his "second career" as the Pro Shop Manager at the Heidelberg Country Club, which filled his lifelong passion for the game of golf.

Ray's other passions included hunting, fishing and traveling around the world with his beloved "bride" of 49 years, Linda.

He was a life member of the Eastern Chapter FNAWS and a member of Central Berks Fire Company #1. He was also a faithful member of St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, Hamburg.

In addition to his wife, Ray is survived by three children: Kathleen M. Richards, Mohrsville, David R., husband of Kellie Butsack, Mohrsville, Steven M., husband of Shantelle Butsack, Escondido, Calif.; seven loving grandchildren: Diane, Kyle, Abbie, Noah, Gracey, Mackenzie and Nicolas.

He is also survived by one sister, Bernice, wife of Larry Szwaczkowski.

He was predeceased by one sister, Barbara A. Setley, in 2012.

Relatives and friends may extend their sympathy and respects to Raymond's family on Monday, July 16 from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 94 Walnut Road, Hamburg, PA 19526. A Mass of Christian will be celebrated at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, 498 Bellevue Ave., Reading, PA 19605, or St. Mary Memorial Fund, P.O. Box, Hamburg, PA 19526.

The Burkey & Driscoll Funeral Home, Inc., Hamburg, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.burkeydriscoll.com.