Raymond “Ray” E. Gartner, 93 of Indiana, PA died on Friday, January 21, 2022 at UPMC East in Monroeville, PA.
The son of Raymond James and Ida C. (Dieringer) Gartner, he was born on July 14, 1928 in Canton, OH.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Kent State University.
Ray served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict from August 1952 until August 1954 earning the rank of CPL and being posted overseas in Germany for a period of time.
Following his time in the military, Ray owned and operated cement businesses in Canton, OH and Weirton, WV.
After marriage to Emma Jane Freshwater, they moved to Weirton, WV, where they resided until after Emma Jane’s death after a long illness. Ray was a dedicated caregiver to his wife Emma Jane during her illness.
After selling his businesses, Ray returned to school to become a stock broker – a profession he enjoyed for the remainder of his working career. His interest in following the stock market continued even after his retirement.
An accomplished poker player, he won many trophies. Ray played poker all of the US and internationally. Two of his other favorite hobbies were collecting poker chips and traveling.
Ray met and fell in love with Connie Winters, of Indiana, PA in 2011. Together, they traveled frequently throughout the country and had many great adventures and wonderful companionship even after his being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
He is survived by his companion, Connie Winters of Indiana, PA his two siblings: Thomas Arthur Gartner of Canton, OH and Alice McCarthy and husband, retired Four star General USAF, James McCarthy of Monument, CO and his five nieces and nephews and their families.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Emma J. (Freshwater) Gartner on February 10, 2010; his sister Doloris Jackson; his brother: John Gartner and his nephew: Mark McCarthy.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ray’s name to Four Footed Friends, 220 Beck Rd, Indiana, PA 15701; The Indiana County Humane Society, 191 Airport Rd, Indiana, PA 15701 or to one of the Alzheimer’s organizations.
Arrangements are with the assistance of the Rairigh Funeral Home, Ltd. in Hillsdale, PA. Please visit www.rairighfh.com to sign Ray’s guestbook and share a condolence message.
