Raymond "Ray" Allen Colestock

Raymond “Ray” Allen Colestock

A Friend to All -

Raymond “Ray” Allen Colestock, age 79, of Middleburg, and formerly of Mechanicsburg and Enola, was embraced by his loved ones in Heaven on Wednesday, August 28, 2019.  Ray was born on Thursday, January 25, 1940 in Enola to the late Raymond Colestock and Virginia (Bickel) Colestock.  In addition to his parents, Ray is preceded in death by his brother, David Colestock; and his sister, Brenda Colestock in childhood.

Ray’s survivors include his wife of 46 years, Carol Colestock; his three children: Greta Myers and her son, Landon, of Middletown, DE, Heidi Arva and her husband, Matt, and their three children: Oriana, Cole, and Luke, of Mechanicsburg, Clint Colestock and his wife, Mary, and their three children: Greyson, Nora, and Sophia, of Dillsburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Ray graduated from Blain Union High School as part of the class of 1957.  He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps in the intelligence division during the Vietnam era.  Ray retired from Bethlehem Steel Corporation in Steelton, after 43 years of service working as a rail mill general foreman.  He was a member of the Middleburg Borough Authority and an active member of the Old Farts Club.  Ray enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and reading the newspaper.  He loved the outdoors and spending time close to nature, especially when he was feeding the birds.  Ray also had a true love of people.  Everywhere he went, he was always stopping to talk to someone new or lending a helping hand.  Ray was also known to hand out lollipops to anyone who needed one.  He was quite the jokester with a fun loving and caring spirit.  Ray loved his family and he was very devoted to his wife; they all are going to miss his presence dearly.

All are welcome to join Ray’s family at his viewing on Wednesday, September 4, 2019, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Floyd R. Carlen officiating.  Ray’s family invites everyone to join them for a reception with food and fellowship at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory immediately following the service.  Burial will follow in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, where military honors will be presented.  Honored to be pallbearers are: Clint Colestock, Matthew Arva, John Campbell, Bruce Larson, and Scott Brouse.

Contributions in celebration of Ray’s life can be made to the Hershey Hope Lodge, 125 Lucy Avenue, Hummelstown, PA 17036.

Ray’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Ray’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.