Denis “Ray” Dunlea (July 03, 1943 - November 28, 2024)

In loving memory of
Denis “Ray” Dunlea
  • July 03, 1943
  • -
  • November 28, 2024

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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

Location:
First Methodist Church of Dunnellon
21501 W. HWY. 40, Dunnellon, FL 34431
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Date & Time:
January 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM


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Tribute Wall

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  1. Stacey DeMoss says:
    17 Jan 2025
    I have the honor of being Ray and Barbara‘s neighbor. I have known both of them for five years and I adore them both! I so enjoyed talking to Ray when he would be tinkering out in the yard. He always had stories to share with me, or talking about the yard, or when he would get mail about Saint Francis-he would give that to me. He liked my St Francis statue! Maybe you and Ron can finally have that lunch together. If you have seen Ron I am sure you’ve met his dad because when we moved here Ron would say “Stacey, Ray reminds me so much of my Dad.” Fly high Ray and God Speed! We will see each other again!

  2. Jeff Schmidt says:
    17 Jan 2025
    I will never forget Ray’s kindness and acceptance when I met him on the courts, when I moved to Stone creek 5 years ago. He shared pointers with me, and we had long talks. He was a wonderful friend. Rest in Peach. You made it, Ray!!!

  3. Colleen Perry says:
    17 Jan 2025
    I met Ray on the tennis court about 8 years ago when I moved to Stone Creek. I had many conversations with him and had the privilege of playing both with him and against him on the court. Always a kind, patient, gentle spirited man who has earned his Reward. Rest in peace my friend as you are dancing w the angels. Hugs to you, Barb

  4. Jose Abirached says:
    16 Jan 2025
    I only knew Ray for a year before he passed but enjoyed his company and thoughts about tennis. Ray and Barb were so generous to the Stone Creek Tennis Club donating two ball machines and other equipment. Players use it often and it's Ray's generosity that made it possible. I wish I knew him earlier to get advice. Prayers and love...

  5. Debbie Kneece lit a candle:
    16 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 16, 2025 at 1:46:51 PM

  6. Debbie Kneece says:
    16 Jan 2025
    You fought a long hard battle. It's your time to rest, in peace without anymore pain. Until we meet again.
    John and Debbie Kneece

  7. Dave Gibbons lit a candle:
    14 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 14, 2025 at 1:09:13 PM

  8. Rich Erschik lit a candle:
    04 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 4, 2025 at 1:50:52 PM

  9. Rich Erschik posted an image:
    04 Jan 2025
    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.
    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.

  10. Rich Erschik says:
    04 Jan 2025
    I'm still not letting myself believe that you're not here/there to laugh at my stupid jokes. In my heart of hearts, I know you don't want anyone to be sad, so I will forever focus on things I remember most about our decade's long friendship. Like early in the 1980's when your hangover was worse than mine and instead of you being ready when I drove by your house to pick you up for work - you simply waved me on from your screen door. And the time we laughed until we cried when you told me that when you washed your corvette you jacked up each wheel and spun the tires to made sure the lettering on each tire was on the bottom. Not knowing that wheels turn at different speeds and all that effort was wasted. And for the thousands of miles, we rode our Harley's together how you always had to be in the lead, and I had to stare at your crooked license plate bracket. I miss you my dear friend and will for whatever time I have left. I am richer for having known you.

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