Raymond Emil Sabbatis

Raymond Emil Sabbatis peacefully passed away in the comfort of his home on January 30, 2023
at the age of 94 in Grapevine TX.  He was a man of strong faith with a great sense of humor and
willingness to give to those in need.  Ray was born to Carmine and Marie (Leone) Sabbatis in
Cleveland, Ohio on July 19, 1928.

Ray was the youngest of 10 children growing up on the West side of Cleveland Ohio.    He
enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1945 with deployments in Japan, China, and other Pacific
locations, then served in the USMC Reserves through 1951 reaching the rank Corporal.  Upon
returning from military service, he married the love of his life Helen Rynawiec and was married.
60 years until her passing in 2009.

Early in their marriage, Ray enrolled at Fenn College of Engineering (now Cleveland State
University) gaining his degree in mechanical engineering and started his career with the Yoder
Company where he worked 32 years.   During his career he was awarded three patents related
to industrial metal slitting machines and technology.  He worked at Production Machinery, later
in his career, but upon retirement he continued his education in engineering.   At age 65 he
studied Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and consulted for
years modernizing legacy pencil mechanical drawings into computer-based drawings and
specifications. Even at 94 he was active on his iPhone, Facebook, and other technologies.

Beyond work, family, and friends Ray contributed his time, talent, and treasure to a number of
charitable activities.   He worked in the inner city periodically to help the underprivileged and
was very active in the church, especially St. Brendan’s catholic church in North Olmsted, Ohio
where he helped along with other volunteers during the early stages of the parish
development.  His commitment was so strong that he built his home directly across the street
from the church.   He and his wife Helen shared a special allegiance to St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital and consistently supported the charity.

Ray loved to tell stories especially about his family and growing up in an Italian household,
stories that made you laugh no matter how many times you heard them.  He enjoyed
woodworking and landscaping, working closely with Helen who had a green thumb.   When he
wasn’t engaged in these hobbies, he took his patented slice to the golf course.  In 2004, they
came to Denton TX moving closer to their son Mike, but in his heart, he will always be a
Clevelander.

Ray is survived by his two sons, Joe with his wife Debb (East Amherst, NY) and Mike and his wife,
Shay (Southlake TX), his six grandchildren Michael, Matt, and Danny in NY, Baley (Sabbatis)

Decker and her husband Cody, Taylor (Sabbatis) Quigley and her husband David in TX, Connor in
CA, and one greatgrandchild Killian Quigley.

The family will be having a private service at Lucas Funeral Home in Grapevine TX with burial at
Bluebonnet Hills Cemetery in Colleyville TX.

In keeping with Ray and Helen’s legacy of caring and generosity we ask in lieu of flowers please
make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the Raymond and Helen Sabbatis
Memorial St. Jude Fund at http://giftfunds.stjude.org/Ray_Sabbatis .