Raymond R. Zdebski, Sr.

Raymond R. Zdebski Sr. of Glen Mills, age 88, died peacefully surrounded by family on November 20, 2024. Predeceased by his wife, Lorraine Zdebski (nee Klaczynska), his parents, Stanley and Catherine Zdebski, and his sister, Stella Wyszynski. Beloved father of Susan Christopher, Marie Conti, Raymond Zdebski, Jr., John Zdebski (Joy), grandfather of Christopher Conti (Elyse), Rachel, Brenna, and Aidan Zdebski, great-grandfather of Colette Conti, and uncle of many nieces, nephews. A graduate of Northeast Catholic High School, Ray excelled athletically on the Falcon’s bowling team and playing football, not only for his high school team, but also semi-pro in the mid-1950’s for the Bridesburg American Legion football team, also known as Magnolia-Bridesburg. Marriage and impending fatherhood drew Ray away from playing football, but not from his love of the sport. An avid Eagles fan his entire life, he held season tickets for many years. Ray spent most of his professional career at Sears, eventually working his way up the ladder to manager by attending night school at LaSalle University. He enjoyed years of participation in the company bowling and softball leagues. After moving the family from Northeast Philadelphia to Delran, NJ in 1976, Ray took on other warehouse managerial positions. Ray was the ultimate family man, hosting 4th of July barbecues, New Year’s Eve parties, and many other family celebrations through the decades. Always quick with a joke (though he might not remember the punchline exactly) Ray was the life of the party and was happiest when his guests were having a good time. He enjoyed family vacations at the Jersey shore, ski trips, and he and Lorraine loved their many cruises with friends. His Catholic faith was of utmost importance to him, often attending daily Mass and never missing Sunday Mass. Ray’s rosary was always with him, and he prayed the rosary and Chaplet every day, including on family road trips. Ray served his parishes as lector and eucharistic minister, and he was an all-around parish volunteer. What Ray loved most was his family and friends, always being there to help and support when needed. One of Ray’s retirement jobs was driving buses for the disabled, senior citizens, and for school children. He loved the seniors and children! After retirement, Ray and his wife Lorraine moved to Maris Grove in Glen Mills, PA where they made many new friends and enjoyed their final years. Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation and memorial mass on Saturday, January 4, 2025 beginning at 10am at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, 8910 Gap Newport Pike (Route 41), Avondale, PA 19311. His memorial mass will begin at 11am. Interment will be private.The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Ray’s memory to the Maris Grove Resident Care Fund, 200 Maris Grove Way, Glen Mills, PA 19342.