Obituary for Raymond F. Maas Sr.
Raymond F. Maas, Sr., our hero and mentor, passed away on September 27, 2020, at the age of 97.
He is preceded in death by Jeanette, his quietly wonderful wife and partner of 50 years, and his cool sister Dottie Martin. Ray was a wonderful dad to his children: Raymond, Jr. (Mary) of Mary Esther FL, Katherine Maas (Roger Turk) of Hockessin DE, David (Mindy) of Alpharetta GA, and John currently in The Czech Republic. Also left behind are his grandsons who gave him great joy: Jeremy, Cody, Andy, Sam, Jake, Joel, Orlando/Ben and Brooks King. He was also very fond of his sister’s son Ken.
Ray grew up in Jersey City, NJ. He served in the Air Force, Army and National Guard over a period of 30 years, and was stationed in Luzon, Philippines, during WWII. He also worked for the US Postal Service; first as a letter carrier, and later as a troubleshooter mechanic for the mail processing equipment.
Perhaps it was because of his postal routes that, wherever he went, it seemed that most everyone in Delaware knew him. When they’d ask “How are you?” he’d always reply with a big cheery grin, “Never better! How are you?”
Ray took early retirement to concentrate on his passions: Rehabbing houses, woodworking, studying advanced math and history, discussing politics, volunteering for the American Heart Assoc. and giving speeches to seniors about safety issues. He enjoyed keeping his mind sharp and his body physically fit, working out even through his 90s. He also loved music, reading, and playing (well, he’d try!) the piano. In his later years he put aside his clown stilts and unicycle, and immersed himself into soul line dancing where he was embraced by a community of loving like-minded dancers. He believed in lifelong education, was our greatest encourager and taught us to be our best selves.
Miss you so much. Salute, and “See ya, Soldier.”
A time of remembrance will be hosted online via zoom on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 2:00 p.m.
Burial will be private.
He is preceded in death by Jeanette, his quietly wonderful wife and partner of 50 years, and his cool sister Dottie Martin. Ray was a wonderful dad to his children: Raymond, Jr. (Mary) of Mary Esther FL, Katherine Maas (Roger Turk) of Hockessin DE, David (Mindy) of Alpharetta GA, and John currently in The Czech Republic. Also left behind are his grandsons who gave him great joy: Jeremy, Cody, Andy, Sam, Jake, Joel, Orlando/Ben and Brooks King. He was also very fond of his sister’s son Ken.
Ray grew up in Jersey City, NJ. He served in the Air Force, Army and National Guard over a period of 30 years, and was stationed in Luzon, Philippines, during WWII. He also worked for the US Postal Service; first as a letter carrier, and later as a troubleshooter mechanic for the mail processing equipment.
Perhaps it was because of his postal routes that, wherever he went, it seemed that most everyone in Delaware knew him. When they’d ask “How are you?” he’d always reply with a big cheery grin, “Never better! How are you?”
Ray took early retirement to concentrate on his passions: Rehabbing houses, woodworking, studying advanced math and history, discussing politics, volunteering for the American Heart Assoc. and giving speeches to seniors about safety issues. He enjoyed keeping his mind sharp and his body physically fit, working out even through his 90s. He also loved music, reading, and playing (well, he’d try!) the piano. In his later years he put aside his clown stilts and unicycle, and immersed himself into soul line dancing where he was embraced by a community of loving like-minded dancers. He believed in lifelong education, was our greatest encourager and taught us to be our best selves.
Miss you so much. Salute, and “See ya, Soldier.”
A time of remembrance will be hosted online via zoom on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 2:00 p.m.
Burial will be private.