Sun Feb 12 2012
by Dorothy Markulis
Reporter
Boston Heights -- Raymond C. McFall, who served as mayor of Boston Heights for 22 years and as a councilman for 10 years, died March 12, 2010, at Akron City Hospital after battling cancer.
Mr. McFall, 77, also served the community as a fireman for 38 years. He was elected to Boston Heights Village Council in November 2009 and previously served in that role prior to his appointment as mayor in 1985.
He served as mayor until 2007, when he opted not to seek re-election.
"He did everything," said Boston Heights Police Chief Joe Varga. "This is a tremendous loss to the community."
"He was a man of his word," said present Boston Heights Mayor Bill Goncy. "Whatever he said he was going to do, that was what he did."
Goncy said he admired Mr. McFall's leadership style.
"He was always there for the people," Goncy said. "If something was needed, he always responded."
Goncy said Council has 30 days to fill the seat vacated by Mr. McFall, who was just beginning a four-year term.
A lifelong area resident, Mr. McFall was honored by his constituents Dec. 12, 2007, when they designated it Ray McFall Day in Summit County.
Varga described Mr. McFall as an "awesome, amazing" man.
"He's been my friend for 28 years and he was my boss for 22 years. He treated everyone like family," Varga said. "He was like a second father. We did everything together. I can't believe he's gone."
Similar sentiments were voiced by Boston Heights Fire Chief Jim Robinson, who said Mr. McFall was his friend for 25 years.
"He's leaving a big void. He was always the go-to guy. He was very proactive. He was looked up to by all the members of the fire department," Robinson said.
Mr. McFall was born Sept. 28, 1932, in Peninsula to the late George and Jennie McFall.
He served with the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Skagit, AKA 105, from 1949 until his honorable discharge in 1953 as a petty officer second class.
He was employed by Ford Motor Co. in Walton Hills for 38 years, retiring as a supervisor. He also served as a committeeman for the Democratic Party in Boston Heights.
He was a life member of Northfield VFW 6768, Hudson American Legion 464, Cuyahoga Falls Moose Lodge 918, FOPA Lodge 68 in Hudson, a 20-year member of the Ohio State Fireman's Association, and was the commander of his ship reunion for the U.S.S. Skagit.
Mr. McFall is survived by his wife of 48 years, Norma (nee Rumiser); daughters, Dianne Gronek (John), Barbara Lash (Al) and Patricia Warnick (Greg); son, Richard Bonath (Cindy); 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; siblings, Mildred Smith, Mabel Price, Rheta Hoitt, John Williams, Champ Williams, Pauline Lautenslager, Jesse Hambrick and Virginia Haggard. He was preceded in death by his brother, George McFall.
Services were scheduled for March 16 at Hudson Community Chapel, with Dan Page, pastor of the Cornerstone Community Church, officiating. Interment with military honors was at Fairview Cemetery in Boston Heights. Arrangements were handled by Ferforlia Funeral Home in Sagamore Hills.
Memorials may be made to the Boston Heights Fireman's Association, the Cornerstone Community Church, 5344 Fish Creek Road, Stow 44224, or to the Jarod M. Dean Scholarship Fund, c/o the Boston Heights Police Department, Attn: Joe Varga, 45 Boston Mills Road, Hudson 44236.
E-mail: dmarkulis@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3943
Comments
By Posting to this site, you agree to our Terms of Service Be polite.
Inappropriate posts may be removed.
Hudsonhubtimes.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post.
Login above or Register to comment.
0 Total Comments Home | Back
Copyright Record Publishing Co, LLC. 1995-2011. All Rights Reserved.
Content may not be republished without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
Content may not be republished without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
Dix Communications