I am Raymond By Dan Gritsko, written May, 2012 - In honor of Raymond Michael Gritsko and his battle with Alzheimer's I was at the Alzheimer’s unit recently to visit my father. I had not been there for 3 months having been busy with work and with a child of my own with a serious illness. During one of my visits that day I walked in with a care giver I had not met before. I asked her if she was new to the unit and she said she had been working there for three months. She said that she “liked Raymond”, referring to my Dad. As I walked away from her approaching the door to the unit, I felt a need to walk back and mention a couple of things to her. First, that I appreciated what she did in taking care of my Dad. Second, that I was not sure what other families told her about their loved ones , but that I felt the need to tell her something about my Dad. I felt her 3 months seeing my Dad was a very small picture of the man that I have know as my Father of 49 years. In honor of my Dad, and to encourage family members of Alzheimer’s patents, and those who care for them, I have written. I am Raymond I am Raymond. Raymond Michael Gritsko that is. I was born in Nanticoke, PA. The son of Edward and Rose Gritsko. I was the youngest in my family. Gloria was first born, then came Teddy, Otylie, and last of all me. My Dad was a milk man and money was tight when I was growing up. I worked my tail off as a kid and later did all I could do to work my way through college. I went to Wilkes College and then graduated from Penn State University. I got a degree in Chemical Engineering. I worked my entire career for Exxon Mobil. I was an Engineer, a Manager, helped run a chemical plant, and even worked in our National and World Headquarters. In my job, I lived in New Jersey, New York, and Virginia. As part of my job I traveled across the country, to Europe, and even as far away as New Zealand. At one point, I even considered working for Aramco in Saudi Arabia but decided against it. I retired in 1993 after 37 ½ years with Exxon Mobil. I have been the husband of one wife, June. She was a school teacher and fellow Penn Stater. We met when we lived in the same apartment complex in New Jersey. She has been my companion in 50 years of marriage. We have three children and now have 10 grandchildren. I have been active in each Catholic Parish where we lived. I enjoyed serving the church and in various capacities and especially in the Knights of Columbus where I was a 4th degree faithful Navigator. I volunteered to serve my community in many ways. Among other things, I was a fireman, on the school board, as a boy scout leader, as a baseball coach, on the Frederick County Committee for Economic Development, and in the United Way. I love my country and have sought to honor her in any way that I can. I was in the US. Army reserve for 8 years. I have flown the flag everywhere I have lived, voted in each election, and taught my children to be patriotic. I have been a life long outdoorsman. I have enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and boating. There are few things that I enjoyed as much as getting in the woods early to deer hunt or fishing in many rivers and streams where we lived. As a young man I fished the Susquehanna river and upon moving to Virginia I fished The beautiful Shenandoah. I have seen much of this world. I have taken many trips with my wife June to the Bahamans, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Portugal, Hawaii, Bermuda, Alaska, Canada, Columbia, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Russia, and too many other places to name. I have enjoyed life and tried to be kind to other people. I am human so I was not perfect, but I tried to help my fellowman when I could. I enjoyed helping people stuck in the ditch in a snowstorm, waving to people as I traveled, and smiling as I greeted friends or strangers whom I met along lifes’ way. I am Raymond. I am Raymond, -- the person you see in front of you now does not appear to be the person I have just described, but I am. I am Raymond. The person you see in front of you. Remember me

I'm so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. My fondest memory is of him was at mom and dads 50th. He was GREAT and so entertaning. He will be missed by all from our family. Nancy and Martha McGinnis

I am Raymond By Dan Gritsko, written May 2012- In honor of my Father, Raymond Michael Gritsko and his battle with Alzheimer's I was at the Alzheimer’s unit recently to visit my father. I had not been there for 3 months having been busy with work and with a child of my own with a serious illness. During one of my visits that day I walked in with a care giver I had not met before. I asked her if she was new to the unit and she said she had been working there for three months. She said that she “liked Raymond”, referring to my Dad. As I walked away from her approaching the door to the unit, I felt a need to walk back and mention a couple of things to her. First, that I appreciated what she did in taking care of my Dad. Second, that I was not sure what other families told her about their loved ones , but that I felt the need to tell her something about my Dad. I felt her 3 months seeing my Dad was a very small picture of the man that I have know as my Father of 49 years. In honor of my Dad, and to encourage family members of Alzheimer’s patents, and those who care for them, I have written. I am Raymond I am Raymond. Raymond Michael Gritsko that is. I was born in Nanticoke, PA. The son of Edward and Rose Gritsko. I was the youngest in my family. Gloria was first born, then came Teddy, Otylie, and last of all me. My Dad was a milk man and money was tight when I was growing up. I worked my tail off as a kid and later did all I could do to work my way through college. I went to Wilkes College and then graduated from Penn State University. I got a degree in Chemical Engineering. I worked my entire career for Exxon Mobil. I was an Engineer, a Manager, helped run a chemical plant, and even worked in our National and World Headquarters. In my job, I lived in New Jersey, New York, and Virginia. As part of my job I traveled across the country, to Europe, and even as far away as New Zealand. At one point, I even considered working for Aramco in Saudi Arabia but decided against it. I retired in 1993 after 37 ½ years with Exxon Mobil. I have been the husband of one wife, June. She was a school teacher and fellow Penn Stater. We met when we lived in the same apartment complex in New Jersey. She has been my companion in 50 years of marriage. We have three children and now have 10 grandchildren. I have been active in each Catholic Parish where we lived. I enjoyed serving the church and in various capacities and especially in the Knights of Columbus where I was a 4th degree faithful Navigator. I volunteered to serve my community in many ways. Among other things, I was a fireman, on the school board, as a boy scout leader, as a baseball coach, on the Frederick County Committee for Economic Development, and in the United Way. I love my country and have sought to honor her in any way that I can. I was in the US. Army reserve for 8 years. I have flown the flag everywhere I have lived, voted in each election, and taught my children to be patriotic. I have been a life long Outdoorsman. I have enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and boating. There are few things that I enjoyed as much as getting in the woods early to deer hunt or fishing in many rivers and streams where we lived. As a young man I fished the Susquehanna river and upon moving to Virginia I fished The beautiful Shenandoah. I have seen much of this world. I have taken many trips with my wife June to the Bahamans, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Portugal, Hawaii, Bermuda, Alaska, Canada, Columbia, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Russia, and too many other places to name. I have enjoyed life and tried to be kind to other people. I am human so I was not perfect, but I tried to help my fellowman when I could. I enjoyed helping people stuck in the ditch in a snowstorm, waving to people as I traveled, and smiling as I greeted friends or strangers whom I met along lifes’ way. I am Raymond. I am Raymond, -- the person you see in front of you now does not appear to be the person I have just described, but I am. I am Raymond. The person you see in front of you. Remember me for who I am today,

We only knew Raymond as a resident of the Willows, but we have fond memories of twinkling smile and happy disposition. Our sympathy to the whole family, during this time of loss. With kind regards, Pat and Don Packard and our dear mother Frances Packard (one of his neighbor)

June, We are so sorry to have heard of Ray's passing. We were very fond of him and he will be missed by many. Sincerely, Al and Sandy Henderson

My prayers for the Gritsko family during this time of their loss. I had the pleasure of working with Ray at Exxon Mobil in Fairfax, VA. He always had a positive and friendly attitude to me and his colleagues and I have only fond memories of our working together. Frank A. Giglio, Chincoteague Island, VA

I am Raymond By Dan Gritsko, written May, 2012 - In honor of Raymond Michael Gritsko and his battle with Alzheimer's I was at the Alzheimer’s unit recently to visit my father. I had not been there for 3 months having been busy with work and with a child of my own with a serious illness. During one of my visits that day I walked in with a care giver I had not met before. I asked her if she was new to the unit and she said she had been working there for three months. She said that she “liked Raymond”, referring to my Dad. As I walked away from her approaching the door to the unit, I felt a need to walk back and mention a couple of things to her. First, that I appreciated what she did in taking care of my Dad. Second, that I was not sure what other families told her about their loved ones , but that I felt the need to tell her something about my Dad. I felt her 3 months seeing my Dad was a very small picture of the man that I have know as my Father of 49 years. In honor of my Dad, and to encourage family members of Alzheimer’s patents, and those who care for them, I have written. I am Raymond I am Raymond. Raymond Michael Gritsko that is. I was born in Nanticoke, PA. The son of Edward and Rose Gritsko. I was the youngest in my family. Gloria was first born, then came Teddy, Otylie, and last of all me. My Dad was a milk man and money was tight when I was growing up. I worked my tail off as a kid and later did all I could do to work my way through college. I went to Wilkes College and then graduated from Penn State University. I got a degree in Chemical Engineering. I worked my entire career for Exxon Mobil. I was an Engineer, a Manager, helped run a chemical plant, and even worked in our National and World Headquarters. In my job, I lived in New Jersey, New York, and Virginia. As part of my job I traveled across the country, to Europe, and even as far away as New Zealand. At one point, I even considered working for Aramco in Saudi Arabia but decided against it. I retired in 1993 after 37 ½ years with Exxon Mobil. I have been the husband of one wife, June. She was a school teacher and fellow Penn Stater. We met when we lived in the same apartment complex in New Jersey. She has been my companion in 50 years of marriage. We have three children and now have 10 grandchildren. I have been active in each Catholic Parish where we lived. I enjoyed serving the church and in various capacities and especially in the Knights of Columbus where I was a 4th degree faithful Navigator. I volunteered to serve my community in many ways. Among other things, I was a fireman, on the school board, as a boy scout leader, as a baseball coach, on the Frederick County Committee for Economic Development, and in the United Way. I love my country and have sought to honor her in any way that I can. I was in the US. Army reserve for 8 years. I have flown the flag everywhere I have lived, voted in each election, and taught my children to be patriotic. I have been a life long outdoorsman. I have enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and boating. There are few things that I enjoyed as much as getting in the woods early to deer hunt or fishing in many rivers and streams where we lived. As a young man I fished the Susquehanna river and upon moving to Virginia I fished The beautiful Shenandoah. I have seen much of this world. I have taken many trips with my wife June to the Bahamans, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Portugal, Hawaii, Bermuda, Alaska, Canada, Columbia, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Russia, and too many other places to name. I have enjoyed life and tried to be kind to other people. I am human so I was not perfect, but I tried to help my fellowman when I could. I enjoyed helping people stuck in the ditch in a snowstorm, waving to people as I traveled, and smiling as I greeted friends or strangers whom I met along lifes’ way. I am Raymond. I am Raymond, -- the person you see in front of you now does not appear to be the person I have just described, but I am. I am Raymond. The person you see in front of you. Remember me

In honor of Raymond Michael Gritsko, David & Karen Burgess lit a candle.

I'm so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. My fondest memory is of him was at mom and dads 50th. He was GREAT and so entertaning. He will be missed by all from our family. Nancy and Martha McGinnis

I am Raymond By Dan Gritsko, written May 2012- In honor of my Father, Raymond Michael Gritsko and his battle with Alzheimer's I was at the Alzheimer’s unit recently to visit my father. I had not been there for 3 months having been busy with work and with a child of my own with a serious illness. During one of my visits that day I walked in with a care giver I had not met before. I asked her if she was new to the unit and she said she had been working there for three months. She said that she “liked Raymond”, referring to my Dad. As I walked away from her approaching the door to the unit, I felt a need to walk back and mention a couple of things to her. First, that I appreciated what she did in taking care of my Dad. Second, that I was not sure what other families told her about their loved ones , but that I felt the need to tell her something about my Dad. I felt her 3 months seeing my Dad was a very small picture of the man that I have know as my Father of 49 years. In honor of my Dad, and to encourage family members of Alzheimer’s patents, and those who care for them, I have written. I am Raymond I am Raymond. Raymond Michael Gritsko that is. I was born in Nanticoke, PA. The son of Edward and Rose Gritsko. I was the youngest in my family. Gloria was first born, then came Teddy, Otylie, and last of all me. My Dad was a milk man and money was tight when I was growing up. I worked my tail off as a kid and later did all I could do to work my way through college. I went to Wilkes College and then graduated from Penn State University. I got a degree in Chemical Engineering. I worked my entire career for Exxon Mobil. I was an Engineer, a Manager, helped run a chemical plant, and even worked in our National and World Headquarters. In my job, I lived in New Jersey, New York, and Virginia. As part of my job I traveled across the country, to Europe, and even as far away as New Zealand. At one point, I even considered working for Aramco in Saudi Arabia but decided against it. I retired in 1993 after 37 ½ years with Exxon Mobil. I have been the husband of one wife, June. She was a school teacher and fellow Penn Stater. We met when we lived in the same apartment complex in New Jersey. She has been my companion in 50 years of marriage. We have three children and now have 10 grandchildren. I have been active in each Catholic Parish where we lived. I enjoyed serving the church and in various capacities and especially in the Knights of Columbus where I was a 4th degree faithful Navigator. I volunteered to serve my community in many ways. Among other things, I was a fireman, on the school board, as a boy scout leader, as a baseball coach, on the Frederick County Committee for Economic Development, and in the United Way. I love my country and have sought to honor her in any way that I can. I was in the US. Army reserve for 8 years. I have flown the flag everywhere I have lived, voted in each election, and taught my children to be patriotic. I have been a life long Outdoorsman. I have enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and boating. There are few things that I enjoyed as much as getting in the woods early to deer hunt or fishing in many rivers and streams where we lived. As a young man I fished the Susquehanna river and upon moving to Virginia I fished The beautiful Shenandoah. I have seen much of this world. I have taken many trips with my wife June to the Bahamans, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Portugal, Hawaii, Bermuda, Alaska, Canada, Columbia, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Russia, and too many other places to name. I have enjoyed life and tried to be kind to other people. I am human so I was not perfect, but I tried to help my fellowman when I could. I enjoyed helping people stuck in the ditch in a snowstorm, waving to people as I traveled, and smiling as I greeted friends or strangers whom I met along lifes’ way. I am Raymond. I am Raymond, -- the person you see in front of you now does not appear to be the person I have just described, but I am. I am Raymond. The person you see in front of you. Remember me for who I am today,

We only knew Raymond as a resident of the Willows, but we have fond memories of twinkling smile and happy disposition. Our sympathy to the whole family, during this time of loss. With kind regards, Pat and Don Packard and our dear mother Frances Packard (one of his neighbor)

Dan, This is a wonderful thing that you did for your Dad. May God give you and your family peace and comfort as you say goodbye. Blessings, Elizabeth for the Norfrey family

In honor of Raymond Michael Gritsko, Vicki Henderson lit a candle.

June, We are so sorry to have heard of Ray's passing. We were very fond of him and he will be missed by many. Sincerely, Al and Sandy Henderson

My prayers for the Gritsko family during this time of their loss. I had the pleasure of working with Ray at Exxon Mobil in Fairfax, VA. He always had a positive and friendly attitude to me and his colleagues and I have only fond memories of our working together. Frank A. Giglio, Chincoteague Island, VA

I must apologize for this belated sympathy note...evidently I was away at the notice...but in clearing out my e-mail read the obituary notice of Ray...I worked for Mobil & knew Ray at least 10 years....always kind, smiling, open to a question....& when I met him after retirement invited my husband & I to visit.....most of all he was a gentle man & I remember him with a smile. Your tribute to him was a joy to read. Sincerely Jane Karczewski

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.