Raymond R. Harcharik

Raymond R. Harcharik, 98, of Streator passed away peacefully on Monday January 3, 2022, at Pleasant View Lutheran in Ottawa, Illinois. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 11 AM at St. Michael The Archangel’s Church, Streator with Monsignor Philip Halfacre officiating. Burial will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery with military conducted by members of the Streator American Legion and VFW.

Born April 2, 1923, in Streator, Ray was the son of John and Anna (Tutko) Harcharik.
Ray is survived by his many nieces and nephews and his lifelong friend Roberta Foster.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Mary (George) Wargo, Helen (Floyd) Reynolds, Anne (Edward) Fitzgerald; and his brothers John (Evelyn) Harcharik, Joseph (Ann) Harcharik, Gerald (Beverly) Harcharik, and Albert (Evelyn) Harcharik.

Ray was a graduate of St. Stephen’s Grade School and graduated from Streator High School in 1941. He was a member of the former St. Stephen’s Church and currently belonged to St. Michael The Archangel Parish.

Following high school Ray served in the Army in Europe during WWII from 1943-1946. Upon returning from the war, Ray worked for Thatcher’s Bottle Manufacturing Company for 40 years and retired in 1985.

Over his lifetime, Ray donated over 23 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross.
He was an avid bowler and golfer. He loved to garden, and he loved to read. He was a die-hard White Sox fan. Ray had a very quick wit. But mostly “Uncle Ray” was a man of great faith who was so very kind, caring, generous and compassionate to all those he knew. He made a great and loving impact on his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

Memorials will be directed to the American Red Cross or a charity of the donors choice.