Below is an obituary originally published in the Eagle-Tribune:
HAVERHILL, MA — On April 24, 2020, Ray Alan York Sr. passed away at the age of 90 due to complications from COVID-19 at Penacook Place in Haverhill. He was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth (Campbell) York and was the beloved husband of Sally (Wright) York for 43 years.
Ray was born on August 8,1929 in Wilmington, MA to Guy and Louise (Jacobs) York. He grew up and attended school in Wilmington, where he later married Elizabeth and raised his two sons, Ray jr. and David. On October 5, 1976, Ray married Sally (Wright/Ronco), welcoming two more sons, Scott and Ryan, to his family. After getting married Ray and Sally moved to Loomis, CA with Scott and Ryan. They returned to the east coast in 1984 residing in Andover, Ma and then moved to Haverhill, MA after retiring.
Ray was the proud owner of Curriers Express & Mystic Warehouse in Andover, MA from 1953 until 2006, and also owned Powell Petroleum when residing in California. He was tirelessly dedicated to his businesses, and was much loved and respected by his employees and business associates. He was also a member of the Masonic Mass and a former President of the Rotary Club in Wilmington, MA. In his free time, he enjoyed many adventures with his wife Sally, spending time with his family and friends, exploring many towns in the region by car, attending jazz festivals, going to the theater, and trying out many different types of restaurants where he was sure to find a way to lightheartedly tease the waitstaff. He was known for his generosity, his gentle and kind smile, his sense of humor, and his quick hands when the check came at dinner.
Above all else, Ray was a loving and devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his family and taking care of them or helping them in any way he could. Ray adored his wife Sally, spending every moment that he could with her. Getting to work closely with his brother Paul and sons, Ray Jr. and David, at the family business made him feel very fulfilled. He cherished his siblings, his sons, and their families. He doted on all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. It was often said that Ray was happiest with a baby on his lap! He relished time with each of his grandchildren taking them on special outings, providing favorite snacks, and creating wonderful memories full of laughter, fun, and love for all of them.
Ray was preceded in death by his brother, Lawrence ‘Red’ York, his first wife, Elizabeth (Campbell) York, and his beloved grandson, Kyle Ronco with whom he had a very special bond. He is survived by his loving wife Sally York, his brother Paul York, his sister Joyce Blake, his four sons and their families: Ray and Janet York of Haverhill, MA; David and Patricia York of Andover, MA; Scott and Anne Ronco of North Reading, MA, and Ryan Ronco of Roseville, CA, 8 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank the staff at Penacook Place for taking good care of Ray.
Because of the public safety precautions that have been put in place due to COVID-19, a Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s honor to either:
The Employee/COVID-19 fund at Penacook Place. For those interested, please visit: https://www.penacookplace.org/ways-to-give/.
The Make-a-Wish Foundation. For those interested, please visit:
https://plannedgiving.wish.org/memorials-and-tribute-gifts.
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Follow Wilmington Apple on Instagram. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.
Wilmington Apple 