Raymond Letcher

1955 - 2021

Raymond Letcher, 66, of West Hazleton, passed away April 29 in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

Born in Hazleton on Feb. 21, 1955, Ray was the proud son of the late Dale Bruce Letcher and Leona Mathilda (Motway) Letcher. Ray was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Letcher.

Upon completing his education at Bishop Hafey High School, Ray followed the footsteps of his father by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served his country during the Vietnam War. As a proud Marine, Ray molded his life to the Semper Fidelis, "always faithful, always loyal," motto.

Following his honorable discharge, Ray used his acquired military skills and discipline to pursue versatile career paths in welding, construction, manufacturing, logistics and security positions. He was employed at Pagnotti Enterprises, Anthracite Construction and Summit Manufacturing. He also worked in security for the Hazleton Area School District and the Min-Sec Rehabilitation Center, Hazleton. Ray concluded his career as an Inmate Disciplinary Hearing Examiner at Luzerne County Correctional Facility.

Ray excelled as a three-sport athlete in high school and was an avid sports enthusiast. He was a coach for the Hazleton Area High School Lady Cougars junior and senior varsity softball programs and the All American Softball Association, Wyoming Area Vipers and Valley Regional teams. He was deputy commissioner of the American Softball Association of Pennsylvania, as well as a member of the ASA umpire and coaching association. He was an active and lifetime member of the Drifton softball complex. Ray considered it an honor and privilege to be able to make a difference in the lives of so many young area athletes.

His priorities in life were God, family and friends. The "girls" in his life, loving daughter, Tracy Matulevich; granddaughter, Kassadey; and his devoted partner of 21 years and "love of his life," Susan Salvaterra and her daughter, Shannon, were what made his life most fruitful. Also surviving are his brother, Scott Letcher and wife, Nicole; half-brother, Doug Letcher and wife, Shannon; sister, Bonnie Dunlop; and half-sister, Sandi Grass and husband, Robert.

Ray will be warmly remembered for his sense of humor, his "gift of gab," and his love of people. He loved the art of conversation on a wide range of topics for extended periods of time with his family and friends. He loved his "oldies" music, as well as attending concerts. Ray will be greatly missed by the family and friends that comprised what was most important to him in life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Saturday at Annunciation Parish at St. Gabriel's Church, Hazleton. Family and friends are invited to attend. All COVID-19 restrictions apply and there will be no calling hours before the Mass.

Burial in Calvary Cemetery, Drums, will be private and will be held at the discretion of the immediate family.

Fierro Funeral Service Inc., Hazleton, is assisting the family with the arrangements.