Raymond J. Anater

July 21, 1933 - March 7, 2020

Raymond John Anater, loving husband of Nancy and father of seven children, passed away at his home in Maitland, FL on Saturday March 7. He was 86. Ray was born on July 21, 1933, in McKeesport, PA to Raymond J. and Marjorie B.(Pfahl) Anater, the fifth of seven children. A generous and devoted man, Ray was a loving husband to Nancy (Stewart) for 64 years, caring and admired father of seven children, beloved and wise grandfather to twenty-two grandchildren, tender great-grandfather to 12 great-grandchildren, and a benevolent father/grandfather figure to many others. Ray and Nancy met at a dance in 1954, sparking a lifelong romance. He was drafted into the Army and served in Germany during the Korean War. Nancy joined him there, where they married and welcomed their first son, Raymond. Upon their return to Pennsylvania, Ray earned an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1960 while working full time and providing for Nancy and their growing family. His new career moved the family from Emporium to Lancaster and finally to Akron, where they settled in the family homestead on Main Street. After working for Sylvania and Hamilton Watch, he moved to the engineering and manufacturing firm, EMTROL, Inc. He ultimately purchased the company and through his ethical approach to business and incredible work ethic, EMTROL grew to become a prominent and respected industry leader with a global reach. Ray was a great intellect, a natural teacher and a lifelong learner. He had an engineering mind with a mechanical aptitude that understood how things worked and he could fix just about anything. He delighted in sharing his knowledge and skills with his extended family. At various stages of his life, his great love of teaching took the form of times table drills on a chalkboard in the basement, algebra homework at the kitchen table, and calculus lessons with his grandchildren. In his retirement years, he had a passion for restoring WWII airplanes, first in Reading, PA and then in Kissimmee, FL. Ray was a man of Faith and Reason who constantly sought truth and knowledge and frequently felt called to share his acquired wisdom with all those he encountered via persistent conversation, letter, and email. He cherished his Catholic faith and taught all those he loved to do the same. A prayerful man, Ray served his parishes and communities with a generous heart, always with an eye to building up the Kingdom of God and His Church. A quiet and humble benefactor, along with his dear wife, he supported many charities and religious communities. Ray is proceeded in death by his parents Raymond and Marjorie, his brother Thomas, and his sisters Adele, Patricia, and Marjorie. Ray is survived by his wife Nancy, his children Raymond(Cyndee) of Lancaster, PA, Adele Bruno(Louis) of Altamonte Springs, FL, Matthew(Diana), Thomas(Mary), Paul, David, Stephen(Christine); all of Lancaster; 22 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his sisters Virginia Mader and Dorothy Shepard; and brother-in-law Ray Stewart. A life well lived, he will be greatly missed by those fortunate to have known and loved him.