Raymond Guerrein's Obituary
Mr. Raymond A. Guerrein, 89, of Huntersville, NC, passed away peacefully on February 3, at Novant Huntersville Hospital, after a brief illness. His loving family was in attendance at his bedside. Mr. Guerrein was born on September 5, 1924, in Erie, PA to Mr. and Mrs. Leopold and Anna Guerrein.
Mr. Guerrein was a devoted husband and father, who was very proud of his family and their accomplishments. He is survived by Joan, his beloved wife of more than 65 years. He is also survived by his three children and four grandchildren. His oldest son is Jerome Guerrein, who resides in Orlando, Florida along with his wife Jody and their two children, Karla and Frank, both of Florida. His second son is Mark Guerrein, who resides in Sandy Springs, Georgia, along with his two children, Andrew and Thomas, of Georgia. His daughter is Anne Therese Guerrein Dixon, who resides in Huntersville, NC along with her husband, Jack Dixon.
Mr. Guerrein graduated from Gannon College in 1947 with a B.S. degree in chemistry. He also obtained his Master’s degree in organic Chemistry in 1950 from Western Reserve. He proudly served in the Eight Air Force during World War II as a navigator on B-17s, where he was awarded the distinguished flying cross. He completed 35 bombing missions over Germany and received numerous decorations.
He had a distinguished career throughout the years, including Plant Manager for Electric Auto-Lite Container plant, Niagara Falls, NY; General Manager, Gould Battery Co., Container Division, Huntington, WV; Division Manager, Anchor Continental, Columbia, SC, where he retired in 1987. Following his retirement, he continued to stay active in various positions, such as Assistant Professor of Chemistry at USC Sumter, 1988 – 1991; Staff Member and Co-Director at S.C. DHEC’s Center for Waste Minimization, Columbia, SC, 1991-1995; Editor of SC DHEC’s newsletter, “Options”, 1993 – 2002. In 1999, he and his wife relocated to Huntersville, NC. He became a Consultant, Waste Reduction Partners, Asheville, NC, where he established the branch office in Charlotte, NC 2000 – 2010.
Mr. Guerrein received many awards during his life. He was recognized by the Senate of SC for his efforts toward environmental improvement in 1994. He was the President of the Five Points Rotary Club in Columbia, SC from 1978-1979. He was a Paul Harris Fellow for Rotary International. He was on the Board of Advisors for Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital, Niagara Falls, NY. He was also on the Board of Directors for Handicapped Workshop, Columbia, SC. And he participated in several United Way and Big Brother programs.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM Friday, February 7 at St. Mark Catholic Church. The family will receive friends at his daughter’s (Ann) home following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish may send memorials in honor of Ray Guerrein to St. Mark Catholic Church.
James Funeral Home is serving the family. www.jamesfuneralhomeLKN.com
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