Debbie Solow

I am genuinely saddend to hear of Ray's passing. I can't get the picture out of my mind of him with that schock of white hair and bellowing voice at our reunion. I'm so happy we all had a chance to pay such special attention to him that night. I have no doubt, he is in the spotlight as well right now.  God bless you, Ray.

Stephanie Matiak

These notices seem to be coming with much too much frequency.  Ray always seemed to be larger than life and his vibrancy will be sorely missed.  When my mother died, I was given the following by a friend.  It still rings true today as I think about Ray and the fun we once shared.  Rest in peace, my friend.

The Ship

"I am standing upon the seashore.  A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.  She is an object of beauty & strength, and I stand and watch her until at length, she is only a speck of white cloud just where the sea & sky meet and mingle with each other.  Then someone at my side exclaims, "There, she's gone!"  Gone where?  Gone from my sight, that is all.  She is just as large in hull and mast and spar as she was when she left my side, and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of her destination.  Her diminished size is in me, not in her.  And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "She's gone," there are other eyes watching for her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "There, she comes!"  And that, is dying."

Author unknown

Joel Greenberger

"My name ain't Raymond"

At the visitation at Ralph Shugar Funeral Home,this past week,I stood with Marv Chosky,Dave Evans and Marjorie Kisilinsky, Terry Lehrman and Lee Weinberg joined in.We  talked about reunions,Allderdice,why some classmates want to remain disconnected,and as Harold Goldwasser said  to Terry Miller in 1964 in "The the King and I".."etcetera,etcetera,etcetera.....you fix".

Ray and I shared a very scary capacity for details in memories.The above quote is from Ray ,directed at a famous teacher,who insisted on calling him "Raymond". He objected quite loudly!

I had to leave the funeral to see new patients.I should have cleared the day.Many of my new patients are now younger than I.The ones with Lung Cancer are usually former smokers.The ones with esophagus cancer,have had a bad roll of the dice.Most of them and there families are very scared and most appreciate my jokes to to lighten the atmosphere during my explanation of what is to come::radiation therapy for 5-7 weeks, chemotherapy then surgery.

Ralph Shugar helped with the funerals of my dad in 2000, and my mom in 2003.I do not like funerals and I do not like death.The problem with being a cancer-doctor is that, if you don't   bond with your patients , they sense it and you miss a chance to give during a horrible time. .If you do bond, then it hurts more when they go.

With our  school classmates, (each other)we bonded early and there is no way to avoid the hurt.But we can help each other here.

Ray appreciated my sense of humor, and I, his.

Joel,"What do you want people  to say at your funeral?"

"Look!,He's alive!"

I miss you Ray! God willing,I will see you again soon...but not too soon. I have a great photo of Ray, Harriet Herskovitz and me in 1st grade, painting a mural of the new "Greater Pgh.Airport".Ray was so handsome there and had his whole life ahead of him.

Frank Migliorato

Louise Levine (Stanger)

Ray was so energized by taking an active role in our 50th Reuion. It appeared to give him purpose and joy. May his family rejoice in his memory and all of our hearts be warmed by his energy and zeal. My deepest sympathy.

Richard Fried

" Adam and Gusky family,

Ray's passing was a great shock to me.  I, too, knew Ray well since Kindergarden and the house on Hobart St.  He was a vigorous and vital person who influenced everyone and every situation he touched.  I'm so sorry for your loss.  I know so many of us feel it is our great loss, as well.  Ray will be sorely missed.

Bless You,

Richard Fried"

Reading the outpouring of heartfelt feelings from fellow classmates of Ray, has been an inspiration to me. The collective grieving and sense of loss, has been a comfort to me. This is one more instance of Ray's beneficial impact on everyone he knew.

Janice Richman

I was very shocked and saddened to hear about Ray. He was an important classmate and really made the reunions happy places for us, turning his full attention and warmth to everyone who approached him. Like the song says, "I always thought that I'd see you again." I really appreciated reading everyone's thoughts on this.

Richard X Zawitz

Ray was a hell of guy and a true  Pittsburgh original. Funny, kind, aggressive, a " Giver" as my mom would say. He went too soon. I for one will miss him.May he rest in peace.. and come back as  famous musician or oan  entertainer , the people he admired so much.

Sincerely,

Richie Z

Bill Kramer

Hey Ray - 

I thought of you today. I created a station on Pandora of Roy Obison. I was treated to 2 hours of our music - miss you. 

Philip Mason

Joan Quint (Jacob) asked me to post this Ray Gusky remembrance. Her husband came across Ray's gravestone while recognizing veterans for 2022 Memorial Day. I, too, have fond memories of my kindergarden & first grade best friend.