Raymond Stanley Woishek II, 68, of Portsmouth, RI passed away peacefully at his home on August 10 as a result of complications from ALS (Lou Gherig’s disease). Ray was born May 10, 1949, in Staten Island, NY to Raymond & Mildred E. (Goggin) Woishek. On September 6, 1969, Ray and his high school sweetheart, Donna Schoen, married in Orange, NJ. Ray’s passing comes just weeks shy of their 48th anniversary.
Ray grew up playing baseball in New Jersey, where he developed a love of the New York Yankees. He graduated from West Orange (NJ) Mountain High School, then earned an Degree in Marketing from Essex County (NJ) Community College. His schooling was followed by a diverse career, during which he drove trucks in New York City, co-opened and ran a butcher shop in Bristol, RI, spent 12 years working alongside his father-in-law, Frederick Schoen, at Newport Tool & Die, then had a productive 25 year career as a commercial lines producer at Carey Richmond & Viking Insurance. Ray’s work at CRV allowed him to do what he loved – meet new people, create life long friendships and treat clients to a round of golf.
In his favorite role as Dad, Ray was an active contributor as a coach of Portsmouth Little League, Newport County Youth Hockey and the St. Georges Girls’ hockey team. He has always had a strong passion for sports, which gave him many more opportunities to spend time with his children. Golf at Green Valley Country Club in Portsmouth, opened the door to some of Ray’s best friendships and happiest moments. Additionally, the St. George’s School community, an important part of Ray’s life for over 30 years, rallied around him in times when it was most needed. Ray was blessed to be a part of these two communities. So many extended family members, friends and neighbors, as well as the doctors, nurses and aides at Charlton Memorial Hospital (Moran 3) have helped in times of need over the past 8 years and the Woishek family is forever grateful.
Diagnosed with ALS in 2009, Ray gracefully and courageously navigated the difficulties of this disease. His strength and resilience allowed him to adapt to the challenges presented to him. Thanks to the devoted, around-the-clock care that Donna provided, he was able to enjoy several additional years with his grandchildren and family.
Ray’s sense of humor and love for life were always evident, even when deprived of his physical capabilities. His genuine personality and heartfelt laughter will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew him.
Ray is survived by his wife, Donna, sons Raymond (Anna) of Middletown, Daniel (Guylaine) of Tyngsboro, MA, and daughter Carolyn (Tim) of Carbondale, CO, 5 grandchildren (Jeremy, Nina, May, Nolan, Will), his sister, Patricia Vassallo, of Wilson, NC and 13 nieces & nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents Mildred and Raymond.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS) PO Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574 ( www.ccals.org ) or to Visiting Nurse Service of Newport & Bristol County, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871 ( www.vnsri.org ) two incredible organizations of caring and dedicated people who provided enormous support through this 8 year journey.
Visiting hours will be held at Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth on Monday, August 14, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and a funeral Mass will be held at St. Barnabas Church, East Main Rd., Portsmouth, Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be private.
