Ray S. Freilino's Obituary
Ray S. Freilino, age 92, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025. Born in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late James C. and Florence E. Freilino and the brother of James, David and Diana. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Jane Schnupp. He is survived by his daughter Mary Jane Nault; nephew, Howard (Donna) Lawson; great-niece, Jennifer Gannon and great-great nephews, Aiden, Ryan, Joey and Ethan Gannon.
Ray was born in depression times which accustomed him and those in like circumstances an expectation of diligent and productive work for value received. This meant employment in whatever capacity and pay offered youngsters on local farms, and his first job outside the home at the age of nine, was picking cherries in exchange for a quart of raw and creamy mild which he proudly carried home.
After high school he attended the University of Pittsburgh which he deeply appreciated but needed to fund himself. He found work at the then Gulf Research and Development Company and continued there working the evening shift while attending the university during the day. At length the military draft intervened and he served two years in the United States Army, with overseas assignment primarily in the Philippine Islands. After serving he returned to Pitt and Gulf Research, graduated and stayed on at Gulf to do research on internal combustion engine exhaust emissions and continued advanced course work in the evenings.
Later employment was at MSA (Mine Safety Appliances Company) as a Physicist on a multitude of interesting and diverse projects. He retired from MSA with 37 years of service.
Ray and Betty loved to tour throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. In their later years they enjoyed repeat trips to the Florida Keys.
Funeral services will be held privately and entombment will take place at Jefferson Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be made at www.jeffersonmemorial.com.
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