Obituary of Raymond Unk

STOW- Raymond Unk died at the age of 87 on March 15, 2012. Born and raised in south Akron, he graduated from The University of Akron (Lone Star) and earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.  He served as an Airborne Infantry Officer during World War II in the European Theater, earning the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and two Battle Stars.  Ray was preceded in death by his parents Steve and Anna Unk, who emigrated to the United States from Romania, brothers Jim and Steve.  Maxine, his beloved wife of 65 years died in June 2009.  He leaves son Dan (Lois), daughter Judy (Grant) Joyce, grandchildren Lisa (Brian) Smole, Brian (Lizzie) Unk, Janay Joyce Ward (Crawfie), Molly Joyce and great-grandchildren Quinton, Daniel, Isabelle and Jonathan, sister-in-law Jerry Jones, and many nieces and nephews. Ray began his social work career at Family Services (now Greenleaf Family Center where his daughter, Judy, is CEO).  He worked at Cleveland Family Service, was Director of Professional Services at Catholic Social Services, and later the Associate Executive/Campaign Director at the United Way of Summit County before moving to Chicago as Executive Director of the Travelers Aid Society/Immigrant Service League.  Ray was the first Chairman, North Central Ohio Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.  He was Associate Executive Director of the United Way of Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) and closed out his career with ten years of service in senior management positions with the United Way of America (Alexandria, VA.) Our dad liked people, was a great therapist, listened well and always with a “third ear”.  He enjoyed sports, loved to fish and golf, play gin or poker (especially with his son Dan), loved movies and read voraciously.  With gentle, good humor he consistently challenged stereotypical thinking!  He was a founding member of the Guardian Ad Litem Board of Trustees for the William P. Kannel Juvenile Court, serving as an active Guardian for 15 years.  He was also involved as an Ombudsman for the Area Agency on Aging and a member of Silver Lake Country Club.  He enjoyed serving on the Allocations Committee and with Special Gifts for the United Way.  He was a Democrat every step of the way…. and a humanitarian.  His volunteer experience at Sunrise Assisted Living in Cuyahoga Falls for the past three years was fulfilling.  This is where he and Maxine lived for 15 months before her death from Alzheimer’s disease. But most of all, Dad loved his family and took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.  He and our mom would frequently observe and say “they enrich our lives”.  He will be sorely missed by so many, yet his spirit, guidance and presence will be with us always. We would like to thank the caring and nurturing staff at Sunrise for their ongoing love and support of our entire family. Friends are invited to the Redmon Funeral Home for visitation Monday 4 to 6:30 PM.  Mass of the Christian Burial Tuesday 10 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church.  Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery with military honors conducted by Charles Faust American Legion Post 281.  Memorial contributions may be sent to Greenleaf Family Center,  212 E. Exchange Street, Akron 44304.  "Upon death, for God's faithful people, life has changed, not ended."