Raymond A. Bednar

RAYMOND A. BEDNAR, age 71. Raymond departed this life peacefully on September 3, 2017 the way he lived it: on vacation in Toronto with his partner, Susan Muldrow by his side.  He considered himself the luckiest guy on earth because he was still here after surviving cancer at age 30.  Raymond was born in Cleveland, OH on January 7, 1946 to the late Albert and Dolores Bednar.  He graduated from Shaw High School, class of 1964, where he worked at the gasoline station across the street, but was always remembered by his classmates as the cleanest guy in school.  This trait continued throughout his life.  Raymond served proudly in the U.S. Army Reserves.  In early adulthood, he became a westsider but never lost his east side friends or accent.  Cars and driving as fast as possible were two of Raymond’s passions in life.  He turned his passions into a career as a master mechanic at Ganley Lincoln Mercury (formerly Broadvue Motors) where he worked with Dave Kassouf and his family for 34 years.  He never lost his enthusiasm for diagnosing mechanical and electrical issues.  His sense of humor will be remembered by all he came in contact with.  When asked how he stayed so clean working on cars, he answered, “it’s easy when you know what you’re doing”. Raymond resided in Westlake, OH and Melbourne Beach, FL.  He leaves behind many, many lifelong, loyal friends whom he loved, customers who became his friends and a kindness and generosity of spirit which will never be forgotten.  Most of all, Raymond was cool.  A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME COMMUNITY CENTER, 5784 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.), THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 FROM 5-8 P.M.  WITH A CONCLUDING SERVICE AT 8 P.M. Interment will be private at Lakewood park cemetery.