Raymond P. Ornelas Sr. 1932-2019

Ray was born Oct. 10, 1932, in Lowellville, a son of Ascencion and Katherine Carrocce Ornelas. He attended Struthers schools for 12 years.

After leaving school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps with basic training at Parris Island. Ray served in Korea from 1951 until 1953, where he served as a demolition expert with Dog Co. Engineers. After returning stateside, he served in Quantico, Va., until he was discharged in June 1954.

Ray worked at Youngstown Sheet & Tube from 1955 until he retired in 1984. He was hired by the Mahoning County Veterans in 1992 to transport veterans to the VA hospitals in Brecksville and Cleveland and also served as the Mahoning County service commissioner.

Ray helped to organize the Struthers Little Wildcats football program in 1969. He helped to organize the Youngstown Hardhats Minor League football team and became its general manager in 1976.

He was a member of the Struthers VFW 3538 and served at one point as its senior vice commander. In 2008, he was selected as by the United Veterans Association as Veteran of the Year for his service to the community and veterans.

Ray leaves his son, Raymond P. Ornelas Jr. of Naples, Fla.; one daughter, Pamela J. Ornelas (Kimberly Hunsbarger) of Youngstown; three brothers Lawrence (Virginia) Ornelas of Howland, Richard (Marguerite) Ornelas of Queens, N.Y. and Daniel (Carol) Ornelas of Struthers; longtime companion Wanda Thompson of Lowellville; a sister-in-law, Joyce Ornelas; four grandchildren, Michael, Sarah Martha, Nicholas and Joseph Ornelas; and one great-grandchild, Maximus.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael R. Ornelas; and a brother, David Ornelas.

A 1 p.m. prayer service will be held Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, followed by a military service at Clemente Funeral Home, Struthers.

Friends may call 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent at www.ClementeFuneralHomes.com.

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