Melvin H. Ray

Melvin H. "Mel" Ray, 72, Nanty Glo, died Dec. 23, 2013, at Memorial Medical Center. Born Oct. 10, 1941, in Nanty Glo, son of the late William and Christina (Barr) Ray. Preceded in death by son, Shaun Patrick Ray; brother, William; sister, Phyllis Lekawa; and infant sister, Shirley. Surviving are his loving wife of 50 years, the former Joyce Greene, Nanty Glo; children, Melvin H. Jr. (Brenda), Newville; Matt (Kerry), Johnstown; Tanya (Bill) Altimus, Nanty Glo; Todd (Robin), Spring Grove; Nicole (Mike) Lechleitner, Ebensburg; and Melanie (Tom) Nedrich, Ebensburg; Pappy's 16 little blessings, Ryan, Lucas and Lauren Ray; Hannah, Ian and Noah Ray; Landen, Connor and Brennan Altimus; Lindsey and Kennedy Ray; Adam, Aiden and Eli Lechleitner; and Collin and Josie Nedrich; and mother-in- law, Sara Greene, Twin Rocks. Brother of John (Viola), Nanty Glo; Betty Sanderson, New Jersey; Ruth Serluco, Lower Burrell; and Robert (Mary), Nanty Glo. Also survived by brother-in-law, Ted Lekawa, York; and numerous nieces and nephews. He attended Nanty Glo United Methodist Church. He retired as a coal miner and from Admiral Perry Vo-Tech. He was in the U.S. Air Force for four years. Mel was a 1959 graduate of Nanty Glo-Vintondale High School. He was an avid Penn State and Blacklick Valley fan. His greatest joy was watching his grandchildren play sports. He coached Nanty Glo Little League for 16 years. He was one of the founding members of BV midget football league and volunteered lining the football field and was an avid outdoorsman. Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Bowser-Ondriezek Funeral Home, Nanty Glo, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Friday at Nanty Glo United Methodist Church, the Rev. John Hickman, officiating. Interment to follow at Belsano United Brethren Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations maybe made to Gridiorn Club for the Lights, P.O. Box 111, Nanty Glo, Pa., 15943, or St. Jude's Hospital.