Raymond Charles Lonick
Raymond Charles Lonick September 21, 2025 July 12, 1934 – September 21, 2025 Raymond Charles Lonick, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and community leader, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, at Dogwood Village in Orange, Virginia. He was 91 years old.
Ray was born on July 12, 1934, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He attended St. Peter’s High School in New Jersey and went on to graduate from Villanova University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduation, he was commissioned an officer in the United States Navy. After serving his country, Ray transitioned to civilian life, beginning a long and successful career in engineering and management.
In 1957, Ray married the love of his life, Barbara (Knudson). They recently celebrated 68 years of marriage, a testament to their enduring love and commitment. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising four children and later being blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ray and Barbara lived in California from 1964 to 1978 before moving to Virginia. After retiring from Xerox in his early fifties, Ray and Barbara moved to Orange in 1986, where they purchased and operated the Hidden Inn Bed and Breakfast until 2001.
Public service was central to Ray’s life. He served on the Orange Town Council for 20 years and as Mayor for many of them. During his leadership, he championed numerous projects to improve the quality of life in Orange, including the construction of the new water treatment plant, the purchase and restoration of the train station (now the Visitor’s Center), the creation of the Toot bus service, and the establishment of the Virginia Main Street program. His vision and tireless work left a lasting mark on the community he loved.
Ray was a man of faith, a devout Catholic, and an active member of St. Isidore Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion. His hobbies included baseball, fishing, baking, and collecting outdated electronic equipment. He was known for his sense of humor, quick wit, and willingness to fix just about anything.
Above all, Ray’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara; their four children: Kathy (Bill) of Cape Charles, VA; Chrys (John) of Orange, VA; Jim (Debbie) of Wisconsin; and Tricia (Ray) of Hawaii; his brother Ronald (Donna) and his sister Maureen Polkowitz (Bruce). He was the proud grandfather of Christopher, Brian, Allie, Emily, Matt, Mariah, Abbi, Jay, Adrianna, Michael, Jonathan, and David; and the adoring great-grandfather of Kiara, Taylen, Reagan, Truman, McKinley, Lincoln, Dare, Kathryn, Olivia, Alden, Leo, and Everly.
Ray leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and faith. His family and friends will remember him for his generosity, kindness, and unwavering devotion.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Orange.
