Raymond J. Raclawski

RAYMOND JAMES RACLAWSKI
(9/13/1920 – 11/2/2006)
Ray was born to Leon and Hedwig (Harriet) Raclawski on September 13th, 1920, the fifth of six siblings: three older brothers (Chester, Leonard, Henry(Hank)); one older sister (Harriet (Sister Mary Virgilia, Felician, O.S.F.)); and with one younger sister (Phyllis) yet to come. He grew up in South-side Chicago's St Wenceslaus Parish, where, in the 1st grade, he met his future wife and soul mate, Margaret (Gulanowski). Ray's upbringing in a large and devoutly Catholic (and Polish) family gave him a rich and colorful childhood; forever fixing him in a family and Christ-centered life. He took advantage of many opportunities to join church and social organizations – alter server – choir – theater.

Following grade school, his attendance at Chicago's Lane Tech Prep., displayed his hallmark excellent performance in academics. He took time to pursue exciting extracurricular activities; joining in various clubs; business world; mask & shears; dance, just to name a few. Following his June '38 graduation, he enrolled in Northwestern University: 1939 – '40; transferring to Schurz Evening College: 1940 – '42. During this time, Ray held several full time jobs – one of his favorite was as retail salesmen of men's clothing at Chicago's prestigious Klaus Department Store. (This must have been where he 'fine tuned' his knack of being dressed "to the nines" for any occasion).

In 1942, Ray answered his country's call to arms by enlisting in the U.S. Army. A move he didn't have to make as he was the sole surviving male support for his widowed mother. A character trait, none the less, that spoke of his love for his country; his respect for his duty; and his drive to meet all obligations. Following training, Ray was assigned duties as a radio/radar technician with the Army Signal Corps: '42 – end of '43.

Returning to civilian life, Ray found employment, as a quality inspector, at Chicago's Western Electric Company factory, until his '46 (thanks to the G.I. Bill) enrollment in Villanova University. Ray's unquenchable thirst for knowledge and pursuit of personal excellence drove him to master difficult classes ending up as number 1 in all semester standings (with the exception of making only number 2 or once slipping to number 7 - @classes of 20-40 other hard charging post-WWII students). He did this while working part time to support himself and help with his mother's household finances. He still found time to quench his thirst for history – early American-era locations in/around Philadelphia, as the setting. In 1950, his efforts were recognized with the conferring of a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a class ranking 1 of 22.

Margaret, not willing to wait forever, finally had her 'prince charming' propose. They were wed in the family parish church (St. Wenceslaus) and settled down for a "quite" married life. For critical medical reasons, Ray and Marge were forced to seek a drier climate – next stop, Denver, Colorado. Here he expanded his close friends into his 'family' giving his two sons (Jimmy born 1955; Philip in 1958 ) and his daughter (Mary who came along in 1961) extra and immediately available 'uncles/aunts&cousins' all adding to the Raclawski-clan---all still close to the heart. Frank&June Burke-then with the loss of Uncle Frank…June&Jerry Sticha…George&Louise Francis….Jean&Rocky Johnson…. Dott Haymen...et al……

By 1959, Ray found a golden opportunity to put his baccalaureate to good use. He joined with then Monsignor Harold Campbell, who was in the process of launching a new Catholic High School in Denver. Ray was given free reign to set up the science department which has left an indelible mark extending well past his 27 year tenure with the Archdiocese of Denver. He joined with others of a like mind – Horace Jaster… Robert(Bob) Lankenau…. Martin Globocnick…. Richard(Dick) Wyczawski, Col. USMC-Ret… and so many more=impossible to list without leaving someone out. In those years, he, and these others, influenced thousands of young lives. Many, due to Ray's interest, turned to the medical field as a life long profession. His involvement with the school encompassed his entire family with many school dances chaperoned by both Ray and Marge. His children were always involved with many projects-often as test and experiment subjects. The location on Elm St., was a second home during summers prepping for the coming fall. The special camaraderie with the other faculty families has never dimmed. He is most remembered as always willing to help; to listen; guide; and encourage.

Retiring from Machebeuf-1985, left Ray, for the first time in years, with time on his hands. Never one to be idle, he filled this with more education-this time to bring more beauty to the world. He found a chance to express his talent at Lehrer's Flowers – where he once again enlarged his family with those he loved – Cricket Tapia….Mary Mondragon…. Mary Loffreda ….et al (again dear reader, you may only be left out of this recorder's memory…never from Ray's…..any mistakes in this record are due to the frail nature of my memory)

By the mid-'90's, Marge's failing health focused his full time attention and devotion. He was often found as housekeeper/chief cook and bottle washer. He once again transformed his life-becoming caregiver extraordinaire and did everything to ease his Margaret's life. He found that her passing (March 2003) was the one hole in his life he could never fill. He always remained available for his family/extended family.

He was involved with St Pius X Parish even after the passing of his beloved wife, and his own failing health. One of his greatest strengths was to create lasting, loving, bonds with all people who met him either: as a mentor; as a fellow employee; as a friend; and finally as a patient.

He lived God's two greatest laws …love and serve God with one's whole being… love your neighbor as one's self.

His legacy is that of love.