Wallace "Ray" Hietanen

Wallace “Ray” Hietanen, 94, of East Claridon, OH, passed away peacefully Friday night, September 30th, 2022 at Burton Healthcare Residence while surrounded by his family. He was born in Painesville, OH on September 8th, 1928 to the late Jacob and Helia (Pohto) Hietanen. Ray later married the love of his life and best friend, Dolores (Demko) Hietanen on February 23, 1957. 

Ray was a graduate of Fairport High School in 1947.  In January of 1951 he was inducted into the United States Army, where he served two years of active duty.  He spent time in the Korean War and was proud to drive a staff car for the Commanding Officer of the 196th Infantry Regiment while at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. He worked for the Diamond Shamrock for 29 years and was an Instrument Technician at Ayrshire Corporation for 10 years. He thoroughly enjoyed fishing and walks on the beach during our 40+ years of family vacations to Emerald Isle, NC.  He worked tirelessly to feed his family with his abundant vegetable and strawberry garden forty years.  His biggest passion was The Lord, his family, love of country and commentating his favorite Cleveland sports teams.  Although a quiet, steadfast man, he loved deeply, cared passionately and supported his family endlessly.  An incredible man of God who prayed fervently and faithfully. 

  

Ray will be greatly missed by: his loving wife of 65 years, Dolores; children, Diana (David) Battles, Murray Hietanen, Dave (Janet) Hietanen, Paula Jolly; 11 grandchildren (Ryan, Corey, Ashley, Rachael, Natalie, Michael, Ben, Margaret, Daniel, Patrick Jr, Anna); 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Jack (Marge) Hietanen; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Eugene and wife, Marilyn Hietanen, Paul and wife, Helen Hietanen, and his best buddy Frank Curtis. 

A PRIVATE CELEBRATION OF LIFE WILL BE HELD AT A LATER DATE.