Ray E. Woodcock

1937 - 2025

Ray E. Woodcock, 88, of Lower Burrell, formerly of Fawn Township, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. He was born Jan. 26, 1937, in Dunkirk, NY, to the late Edwin and Irene Miriam (Streeter) Woodcock. Ray graduated from Fenn College, OH (Cleveland University), and worked as an electrical engineer and engineering manager for Allegheny Ludlum Steel, retiring after 38 years of service. He was an active member of Center Church of Fawn Township, where he held many positions, including Chairman of the Building Committee, Lay Speaker, and Sunday School Teacher; he puts his trust in God. Ray's other interests included being the church ministry chairman of the Westmoreland camp of The Gideons International, a committee member of the Allegheny Valley Young Life, a board member of the local Salvation Army, and a Boy Scout leader for Troop 356 of Fawn Township. He was also selected as one of 10 members of The Gideons International to travel to Honduras to distribute bibles. He made nine trips to Paraguay to work and help establish a school. Ray enjoyed traveling, camping, gardening, and most importantly, spending time with his grandchildren and attending their sporting events. His children and grandchildren were his greatest blessing. Ray is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley (Damon) Woodcock, of Hookstown; children, Jeffrey (Rebecca) Woodcock, of Hookstown, Cynthia McVay, of Plano, TX, Jeanette Hoover, of Honey Brook, and Danielle (Andrew) Kariotis, of Lower Burrell; grandchildren, Matthew (Krysta) McVay, Adam Woodcock, Brittany (Christian) Fox, Nicholas Kariotis, Connor Kariotis, Karlie Hoover, Miley Kariotis, and Delaney Hoover; great-grandchildren, Rowan McVay and Astrid McVay; his sister, Nancy Town, of Ormond Beach, FL; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his sister, Diane Mierzwa; son-in-law, Richard McVay; and brother-in-law, Terrance Town. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Center Church of Fawn Township, 1575 Donnellville Road, Natrona Heights, PA 15065, or The Gideons International, Westmoreland North Camp #3737, P.O. Box 2103, Lower Burrell, PA 15068. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Center Church of Fawn Township at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, with a luncheon to follow.