Obituaries

Raymond (Ray) T. Echalk, age 75 and a lifelong resident of Old Forge, passed away on November 4th at his lifelong home with the love of his life and wife of 52 years, Connie (Mahan) Echalk, right by his side.
Born on February 23rd, 1947, and son of the late Theodore and Susan (Dolinish) Echalk, Ray graduated from Old Forge High School, Class of 1964, before proudly serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.
He later had a successful career at Procter and Gamble, until his retirement in 1997. He was able to spend the next 25 years doing the things he enjoyed, such as being active in his church, attending antique auctions, collecting glassware, and serving as the caretaker for Miles Park in Old Forge, where he made many friends throughout the years.
Ray was a die hard Eagles fan, avid outdoorsman, keen-eyed mushroom hunter & berry picker, and the self-proclaimed best fisherman in NEPA. He traveled to Lake Ontario for salmon season many times and he particularly loved ice fishing. He was a skilled bowler and served as the president of the Poor Richard’s Mixed league at Southside Bowl for over 20 years. The perfect game always eluded him, but he got as close as you can with a 299. He never missed the opportunity to help someone with their bowling technique, whether they liked it or not.
Also very involved in his church, the Stewart Memorial United Methodist in Old Forge, he served as the Vice President of the church’s Administrative Council.
His greatest joys in life were his two grandchildren and he would literally do anything for them, including dress up as Brittany Spears on Halloween by request. They shared many fun times together, story telling, creek splashing, fishing, country drives, and he didn’t miss a single activity or a sports game they participated in. He never met a stranger and had a gregarious personality that charmed all he met.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Connie, his son Raymond, Jr., Old Forge, daughter Deborah Telesz and husband John, Taylor, grandchildren Dionna Defazio and Joel Telesz and many cousins, and lastly, his two cats which he absolutely adored, Loki and Jinx.
Funeral services, to be celebrated by Rev. Dr. Michael Shambora, Pastor of the Stewart Memorial Church, are scheduled for Thursday at 10:30 AM in the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge. Burial with military honors will follow at Milwaukee Cemetery.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday at the funeral home between 4-7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ray’s name to the Stewart Memorial Church c/o 174 North Main Street, Old Forge, PA 18518.