Ray B. Sutherland, 59, of Franklin Twp., Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at his residence.
Born August 12, 1960 in Connellsville, PA, he was the son of the late Ray Sutherland and Willa Fern (Shelling) Sutherland of Hopwood, PA. He was married to Marcia Greenberg Sutherland for 35 years as they were married June 9, 1985. She survives.
Ray graduated from Laurel Highlands High School in 1978 and Penn State University with an Engineering Degree in 1985. He earned his MBA from Point Park University in 2011. Ray worked as a Civil Engineer in Land Development. Most recently he worked for Civil and Environmental Consultants Inc. in Pittsburgh. He enjoyed golfing, woodworking, and clay shooting. He also enjoyed playing pool with the APA League at Rick’s Place. Ray was a member of the Ellwood City Saxon Club and the Castlewood Rod and Gun Club. He loved to go on long motorcycle trips and listening to music, especially the blues.
In addition to his mother and wife, survivors include two children, Ray Matthew (Kayleigh Vetovich) Sutherland and Pamela Hoffman, all of Ellwood City; two grandchildren, Amelia Grace and Langston James Hoffman; sister, Kathy (Mitch) Masi of Hopwood; his in laws, Sam and Beverly Greenberg of Ellwood City; and two sister in laws, Michelle (Michael) Wilson of Ellwood City, Diane (Michael) Kane of Delaware. He also leaves behind best friends, Bill and Crystal Welsh of Ellwood City.
Family and friends will gather on Saturday from 1-5 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City. A Celebration of Ray’s life will take place at 5 pm.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Ellwood City Public Library, the Humane Society, or aamds.org.
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.
My thoughts and prayers to Ray’s family and friends. Ray was a friend and coworker who was always quick with a joke and to help out anytime I asked. God bless.
My deepest condolences. Ray was a good friend and I enjoyed seeing him at different events. We will all miss him dearly.
Marcy, I am so sorry for your loss. Even though Ray and I did not work together anymore, we remained good friends and I always had the pleasure of running into him on occasion. I sincerely valued our friendship. Cianne and I are in Florida so we cannot make the viewing or the funeral. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Our deepest sympathies.
A life too short, but well lived. Ray is loved by many. We grieve now and will remember Ray with a smile for his joy of life and the joy he brought to our lives. Marcy’s strength over the years is to be admired, but now my prayers are for the strength she and her family need now more than ever.
Ray had such a kindred, easygoing spirit that always seemed to calm things down in a hectic workplace. I loved his wry wit and dry sense of humor–“living the dream” was his mantra of commiseration with his fellow workers. Just last week I stopped to chat with Ray when he was suited up for a morning business meeting. I complimented his Jerry Garcia tie and he joked with a smile “How bout I loan it to you and you go to this meeting for me?”. He was a good man and will be missed, but remembered with admiration.
My heartfelt condolences to Ray’s family and friends. Ray has been a friend over the past 6 years that I will profoundly miss. We often had personal discussions about family and life, and had great times together at sporting clay shoots. Our worlds will be greatly diminished without Ray being present in them.
My deepest condolences to the entire Sutherland family. I worked with Ray many years ago at Michael Baker and we did all of the development work together for the Pointe and Robinson Town Centre and the Mall. Ray always had me smiling and laughing. My favorite Ray story was the one he told about being at the opening of the Pointe and there being terrible traffic jams and it pouring rain and while he was waiting to get into one of the restaurants, someone in the crowd, said, “What Genius designed this!” and Ray turned around, raised his hand, and said, you’re looking at him! Rest in peace pal and I’ll always have fond memories of the projects we worked on together. Hope you are enjoying a ride on your bike in the big sky somewhere. God Bless
Marcy, Bob and I are heartbroken for you. We are grateful for knowing Ray and will miss him greatly. We always looked forward to seeing you both and knew that each time we got together there would be good stories told! We are also grateful for the front step that he made for us, which will forever be the Ray Sutherland Memorial Step. We will be there Saturday but please let us know if we can do anything for you – large or small before then and any time after. Love you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Ray was such a nice man and we feel for you. Let us know if you need anything.
So sorry for your loss, our prayers go out to you and your family.
My father and I are so sorry for your loss and send you our deepest condolences. My father has many good memories and thoughts about Ray, having spent time and many conversations over at Bill’s. We truly believe his spirit will be with your family to guide and support.
Al and I are so sorry to hear of Rays passing, he was a wonderful man and a great neighbor when we lived in Churchill we offer our deepest condolences and prayers during this very difficult time to you Marcy and your family
Very sorry for your loss. Ray was a stand up, see what you get, no nonsense person who was a go to guy for me in business. We had a great relationship and he was kind enough to include me in some clay shoots even though I was a novice. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. Know that he spoke of his family fondly and lovingly. He enjoyed his downtime and family. He will be missed and the family is in my prayers and thoughts in the weeks to come.
Pam, Marcia and families – we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father and husband. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Your friends at The Color Center
Marcy and Matt – Karoline and I were shocked to hear of Ray’s passing and we mourn for your loss. Ray would always have a joke to tell me when we would bump elbows in Ellwood. He will be remembered.
Let us know if we can help in any way.