Obituary
Denis Raymond Dunlea, “Ray,” age 81 of Ocala, Florida went to Heaven on November 28th, 2024 due to complications related to Parkinson’s Disease.
Ray was born in Cork, Ireland, on July 3rd, 1943 to Bernard and Nellie Dunlea. Ray along with his parents and sister and brother immigrated to the United Staters in 1948 and settled in Chicago, Illinois. Ray attended Queen of All Saints Catholic school. He auditioned and sang in the Paulist Boys Choir in Chicago directed by Reverend Eugene O’Malley where he developed his great love for music. Ray graduated from Nicholas Senn H.S. in 1962.
Ray worked as a print machine operator, elevator mechanic, and machine electrician at Hunter Automated Machine Corp. in Schaumburg, Illinois, and retired after 33 years. In 2001 Ray and his wife Barbara moved to Dunnellon, Florida, where he continued to work as an electrician and then established his own booming handyman business in the area.
Ray was an athlete. He played and refereed soccer. He loved snow skiing and was on the National Ski Patrol. He also enjoyed water skiing in Wisconsin at the family lake home. He was an avid Harley Davidson motor cyclist and he and Barbara traveled the country together. Ray was a certified tennis instructor and coach in both Illinois and Florida including at Dunnellon H.S and Westport H.S. in Ocala.
Ray met Barbara, his wife in 1975. Ray had a daughter Cori and Barbara had a son, John. They were married in 1977 and became a happy blended family.
Ray is survived by Barbara, his wife of 47 years, daughter Cori and husband John, grandchildren Jessi, Johnny and wife Marta and great grand daughter Maja. Ray is also survived by his sister, Ursula, and brother Tony, beloved nieces and nephews in Illinois and Florida and numerous cousins in Ireland. Ray is preceded in death by his step son, John.
Ray’s celebration of life is scheduled for January 18th, 2025, 11:00 am at the First Methodist Church of Dunnellon, 21501 W, HWY 40, Dunnellon, FL. 34431.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to:
St. Joseph’s Indian School, P.O. Box 326, Chamberlain, S.D. 57326.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
Service
21501 W. HWY. 40, Dunnellon, FL 34431
John and Debbie Kneece
One of the many memories from the funny times during the thousands of miles we rode our Harley's together. I will never forget our friendship. RIP my dear friend.