There will be a Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial held on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, at 10 a.m. at St. Maron Church, 1555 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown, with Chor Bishop Michael Kail officiating, for Raymond John Timarko, 80, who passed away late Wednesday evening, Feb. 13, 2019, at the Hospice of the Valley-Hospice House in Poland, after a brief struggle with liver cancer.
Ray was born in Struthers, the son of John Paul and Ann (Kuzma) Timarko on Jan. 14, 1939. At age two, Raymond’s family relocated to Austintown, on Forest Hill Drive where he developed many lifelong and treasured friendships, maintained until his passing.
Austintown became his home and he lived in the township for the remainder of his life. Ray attended Austintown schools until age 17 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Feb. 13, 1956, for four years.
During his military service, he served on two aircraft carriers, the USS Ranger and the USS Antietam, earning the rank of E4-Petty Officer Third Class for duty in the engine room. During his enlistment, he was stationed in the Philippines, Japan and San Francisco. Raymond believed in serving his country and serving others his whole life.
He was a proud veteran. Upon completing his military service, Raymond worked for Hynes Steel as a tow motor operator. He then became an owner-operator truck driver.
During his 32 years driving his tractor trailer, he was employed by McNicholas Trucking, Lakeshore Motor Freight and Dworkin Inc. Trucking. He was affiliated with Teamsters Local 377. Ray’s passions in life were golfing, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Schnauzer dogs, hunting, fishing and trucking.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ann; his brother-in-law, Joseph P. Roberts; his former father-in-law and mother-in-law, Salim and Maoune (El-Hayek) Mikhael; and a special friend, Barbara Terlecki Limberty. Surviving Raymond are his sister, Irma J. Roberts; his nephews, Ted (Marlene) Roberts, and Mark (Kim) Roberts; his niece, Lisa (Vince) Smith; and their children. Also surviving Raymond is his former wife and beloved friend and soulmate, Samira Mikhael Timarko and the Mikhael family; his former brother-in-law, Sami (Rosalba) Mikhael; his former sister-in-law, Samia (Ghassan) Rajeh; former nephews, Jean Pierre (Jade) Mikhael and Salim (Crystal) Mikhael; former nieces, Samuela (Zack) Quindazzi, Salma (Matt) Hallett, and Nawal Rajeh; and several great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom consider Ray a beloved brother-in-law and uncle.
Ray also leaves a special friend, Patricia Grolemund. Last, but by no means least, Ray is survived by his black Schnauzer, Barbie, who was his dedicated companion and cherished pet. Following the funeral service, Ray will be interred at Lake Park Cemetery with military honors provided by Marine Corps League Detachment 494 Youngstown.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, at St. Maron Church, prior to the funeral, from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. Arrangements are being handled by the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers.
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