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Raymond McGraw Obituary
WILKES-BARRE — Raymond P. McGraw, 68, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Friday, June 30, 2017, at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
He was born in Wilkes-Barre, on Feb. 8, 1949, son of the late Patrick and Helene (Potera) McGraw. Ray was a 1967 graduate of GAR.= Memorial High School. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in English from King's College in 1971. In 1972, he earned his master's degree in Irish literature from University College in Dublin, Ireland.
Ray is survived by his wife of 19 years, Maria McGraw; and by his children, Raymond O. McGraw, of Hanover Township, and Shannon McGraw and her finance, Nicholas Cave, of Wilkes-Barre; grandsons, Ian and Kyle McGraw; brothers, Patrick McGraw, of Washington D.C., Joseph "Slim" McGraw and his wife, Terry, of Mountain Top; sisters, Julie Kopacz and her husband, Wayne, of Jenkins Township, and Kathy Murray and her husband, Bruce, of Plains Township; nieces, nephews and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Ray taught philosophy for 30 years at Luzerne County Community College. He delivered his lectures in a booming voice that made a difficult subject engaging, relevant and most importantly to Ray, funny and interesting. Other professors would often tell him that they would stop to listen in the hallway because they were delighted with what they heard.
His students loved and revered him. Everywhere Ray went outside of school, he would run into former students who recognized and remembered him as a teacher who "changed my life" or "taught me to think" or "was the best teacher I ever had." His proudest educational accomplishment, however, was his "Honorary Ex-Convict" certificate that was prepared by his students at SCID, where he taught English for several years.
In addition to teaching, Ray had many interests and passions, including astronomy, aeronautics, mechanics and firearms. He was an explosives enthusiast and had a keen interest in Irish culture and history. When he talked to experts in any of these fields, they would appreciate his grasp and understanding of the subject.
Ray will be unequivocally missed by his loved ones, his dear friends whom he loved and all the people whose lives he touched.
Family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of Ray's life from 3 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the Astrazeneca Hope Lodge in Cheltenham, Pa.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting Ray's obituary at www.natandgawlas.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond McGraw
Bill Kinsman
June 25, 2023
I can't believe that Ray is no longer with us! The world is a much poorer place without his brilliance.
Bill Kinsman
July 20, 2021
I am so sorry to know that Ray is gone for good. I will miss him and always remember how much he inspired me to learn about things that I never knew about and made me more free in my thinking. He broadened my horizons to the limits of my imagination.
Brianna Nocchi
October 26, 2017
Walking around the LCCC campus is just not the same. Miss hearing his voice in the hallways and knowing exactly where he is at in the lecture. Truly a privilege to have known this man; words cannot adequately describe how tremendous he really was.
Jacqueline Marko
July 23, 2017
I do not know how I missed seeing this obituary. Ray McGraw was an absolute legend at LCCC and I had the privilege of being a student in two of his philosophy classes during two very different periods in my life. I will miss seeing him walking his dog up on Riverside Drive in Wilkes Barre. Thank you Ray for teaching your students how to look at life from a different and insightful perspective. Godspeed sir.
July 19, 2017
Maria, I was so saddened to hear about Ray's passing. I'll always remember our conversations on Tuesday nights in the LCCC Library. Not only one of the great Steeler's fan, but one of the best guys!
Doris Slavitsko
July 10, 2017
To Mr. McGraw's family and friends,
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to you in your loss. I pray you will take comfort in knowing that his impact on the lives of his students is immeasurable. He was one of the finest educators I have ever encountered in my very long career as both teacher and student. My life, and the lives of my children who also were his students, have been enriched by having met him. I am deeply saddened that I didn't have the opportunity to know him better. I hope he made up with God before he left.
A. Teutonico
john watko
July 9, 2017
MARIE & FAMILY: I met 'Pookie' in 10th grade when we connected re our Homing Pigeon interests. He was impressive & quick witted & generous! God Bless you w. Solace over the years.
John Yatko, N. Hancock St.
John Yatko
July 9, 2017
MARIE & FAMILY: I met 'Pookie' in 10th grade when we connected re our Homing Pigeon interests. He was impressive, quick witted & generous! God Bless you w. Solace over the years.
John Yatko, N. Hancock St.
Ed Gurtis, Professor
July 5, 2017
LCCC has lost not only a great Professor but a wonderful and kind human being and the biggest Steelers fan Pittsburgh ever knew. You will be missed by all Ray, my condolences to family. HPE & ExSci Dept. LCCC
Jeff Schultz
July 5, 2017
Ray- As a friend and colleague, I fondly recall the many discussions of warplanes, starry skies, the Steelers and random minutiae delivered with a sharp wit and a knowing smile. Thanks for all you did to make the job fun and inspire others.
July 5, 2017
Thoughts and prayers are with your family. You were my childs professor last semester and really taught him alot, Thank you RIP
July 5, 2017
Dear Maria,
Our deepest sympathies to you, shocked and saddened to hear of Ray's passing.
Sincerely
Betsy & Art DalSanto
Barry Rogers
July 4, 2017
Rest in peace old buddy. I remember many crazy good times on the corner of Ross and Main.
Denise Hromisin
July 4, 2017
Shannon and Ray. I am so very sorry for the loss of your father. Thinking of you both
July 4, 2017
Maria
Just learned about Ray. Connie and I are both shocked.
Ray always put a smile on my face. He was a special human being.
May we all try to ease our pain and sorrow with the memory of the twinkle in Ray's eyes.
Sam and Connie Cramer
Ian Petriga
July 4, 2017
What an amazing person. I had him for two semesters at LCC and he is definitely one of the fondest memories I have from college. His understanding of philosophy and the ability to use many of them in his day to day life really inspired myself and others to look at the world through different eyes. Not to mention his gruff attitude about life in general made you remember to stay grounded when reading about the many philosophies around the world and through time. Only now, years after I finished my classes, do I also share a love of astronomy. I'm upset I never got the opportunity to discuss it further with him. What a cool guy.
Denis Mangan
July 4, 2017
Shannon-
So very sorry about the loss of your dad. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Anne Holmes
July 3, 2017
Maria, I am so sorry for your loss. I am also sorry for LCCC's loss. Ray not only challenged his students to think in different ways but also challenged the thinking of anyone who had the pleasure to have a conversation with him especially at the copier. I will think of Ray every time I am out looking at the space station. He turned me on to that and now its light will truly remind me of an engaging colleague who could tell a story like no other.
Lynese Spinelli
July 3, 2017
To Maria and Family,
I had the privilege of having him as a professor at LCCC back in 1992/1993. He was a fantastic teacher and was loved by his students. I was devastated to hear of Mr McGraw's passing and thought the world of education truly lost a great one. His stories were funny and his lectures very engaging. He truly was a great guy! I wish God comforts you and your family in this time of grief.
Mary Anne & John Whitonis
July 3, 2017
Ray, you have left a lasting legacy in all the students you have taught in your journey of life, what more can one ask for? You had a personality that was larger than life itself. God bless you in your journey. We will pray for your soul as well as for the comfort of your loved ones at this most difficult time.
George Schelling
July 3, 2017
Maria,
My very deepest sympathy to you.
Ray was a super person.
George
barry brewski
July 3, 2017
A dear friend that I will truly miss....my thoughts are with Ray's wonderful wife and family..
Mike Amos
July 3, 2017
Sincerest condolences to the family...
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