Raymond Thomas

Raymond George (Tomaszewski) Thomas, 89, of Chicago passed away July 17, 2015. He was born in the Pilsen area of Chicago on February 21, 1926 to the late Nicodemus and Lucille (nee Karch) Tomaszewski.

During World War II, he served in the Navy aboard the USS Sandoval. He was most proud of his service to his country.

On May 29, 1948 he married Gertrude Jerawski at St. Valentine Church in Cicero. They were married 67 years and still held hands on their love seat as they napped each day.

Ray was a life-long harmonica player and would carry one around in his pocket so he was ready at the slightest prompt to play.

Besides his wife, Trudy, Ray is survived by his children, Gerard (Marie), Patrice (Ira Rheingold), and Timothy (Mark Pearson) ; grandchildren, Matthew (Leanne), Katie (Kris) Deutmeyer, Justin and Evan Rheingold; great grandchildren, Annie, Simon, Elliot Thomas and Greta Deutmeyer; sister, Gloria Knaperek; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Geralyn; and sisters, Grace Berndt and Lucille Marie (Lu Marie) Kaupert.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 8 pm with a eulogy service at 7:30 on Friday, July 24th, at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 149 W. Main St. (Lake-Cook Rd), Barrington. Visitation will continue Saturday morning from 9 am until the time of Mass at 10 am at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 120 Ela St. (not Ela Rd.), Barrington. Burial will follow at St. Adalbert Cemetery, 6800 N Milwaukee Ave., Niles.

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