Age 86, a resident of Concordia at Cabot, formerly of Glenshaw, on Tuesday, March 29, 2025. He was born in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh to the late Stanley and Leona Ziolkowski Pawlak. Ray was well known for his carpentry skills and took great pride in designing and building practical items for the home and garden, along with various other woodworking projects for himself and his family. Exceptionally skilled in his trade, he always had the right tool-and usually the perfect piece of wood-for just about any project.

A man of many talents, Ray also had a gift in the kitchen. He especially loved joining the family to make cappelletti during the holidays-a tradition he embraced with love and joy. Ray also had a talent for storytelling, often spinning a tale into a well-crafted joke, complete with perfectly timed punchlines. Some of his best jokes came to life in the form of clever Halloween costumes, which he meticulously created in his workshop.

He loved watching the Steelers, fishing with his family, and putting on his own fireworks displays. Above all, he was proud to have served as a U.S. Marine. Ray deeply believed in the importance of family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diana Webber Pawlak, his first wife, Esther Krakovsky Pawlak; his brothers, Stanley (Eleanor) Pawlak, Thomas Pawlak, Francis Pawlak, William Prabucki and Frank Prabucki and his sister, Clara (Joseph) Amoroso;  he was the loving father of Peggy Smith, Ray Jr (Lisa), and Pam (Norman) Riffner, and stepfather of Theresa Falgione, Roberta (Ray) Money, John (Tracey) Falgione, and Nina (Ron) Moore. Ray's cup truly runneth over-he leaves behind cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as his dearest brothers and sisters, Ann (the late Edward) Ruszkowski, Leonard (the late Dorothy) Pawlak, Leona (the late Robert) Cinciripini, Paul Pawlak and Marie (the late John) Cortopasi; brother-in-law of Raymond (Margie) Webber; also survived by nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

No doubt, he is already seeking out his beloved dog, Molly, who is surely waiting for him with a wagging tail at the Rainbow Bridge.

Family and friends are welcomed at the WALTER J. ZALEWSKI FUNERAL HOME, 216 44th Street, Lawrenceville, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 2-8 p.m. Funeral Mass at St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, St. Augustine Church on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Concordia Lutheran Ministries Foundation or Staff Appreciation Fund.