Raymond Newyear

Raymond Willis Newyear, age 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home on April 1, 2025 after a short illness. He was born March 16, 1934 to the late William and Vera Newyear.

Ray lived almost his entire life in Willoughby. He graduated from Willoughby Union High School and Bowling Green State University where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He then served in the US Army at the Maryland Chemical Center.  After earning an Honorable Discharge he worked in quality control management at Lubrizol, IRC Fibers, and Horizons Metalphoto where he obtained several patents involving laser photochemistry before retiring in 1999.

Ray enjoyed road trip camping vacations with his family nearly every year and traveled internationally after retirement.  He was active in Boy Scout troop 185 with his Eagle Scout sons. His hobbies included photography, wood carving, yardwork, reading, watching wildlife in his back yard, and he was a proficient amateur musician. He will be remembered for keeping his work areas organized (and labeled!).  He was also an avid Browns fan from their founding including the championship years.  In his youth he assisted his father build several houses in his neighborhood as well as several additions on his own home.

Ray is survived by wife of nearly 59 years Patricia, sons Karl (Isabel) and Doug (Meghan), niece Joann (Rue) and nephew Bill (Kay), and will be missed by his cat Turk. He is predeceased by his brother Ed (Pat).

The family will host visiting hours from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Friday April 25, 2025 followed by a Memorial Service at Grace Episcopal Church, 36200 Ridge Road, Willoughby. 

Donations may be made in Ray’s memory to the Grace Episcopal Church Elevator fund.