Raymond W. Koren

RAYMOND W. KOREN age 93, beloved husband for 26 years of Sandra (nee Mancini) and for 45 years of the late Dorothy (Mesojedec); loving father of Patricia Fairman (husband James), Susan Foley (husband Richard deceased), Raymond (wife Julie), Thomas deceased (wife Rhonda), Christopher, and David (wife Courtney); devoted grandfather “Gramps” of Jessica Jacobus (husband Donald), James “JR” Fairman (wife Erin), Michael Foley (wife Laura), Lauren Steigerwald (husband Gary), Raymond, Matthew (partner Brandon Barclay), Gregory (wife Michelle), TJ, Casey, Mary Kate, Dawson, Kinley Harvey (husband Ethan) and great-grandfather “Papa” of 10; cherished son of the late John and Louise (nee Champa), dearest brother of John, dear uncle, great-uncle and friend to many. He is survived by his beloved canine poodle companion Dahlia. Ray was a US Army veteran.

Raymond was born on October 20, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Cathedral Latin High School in 1950 and was recruited to play football for the University of Dayton Flyers, where he played alongside the legendary Chuck Noll.

He often said that his service in the U.S. Army taught him leadership and prepared him for a long and successful career as a general manager with Prudential Insurance. A member of the Mayfield Village Racquet Club, Raymond enjoyed playing tennis around the world. While football remained a lifelong passion, he also embraced the arts as a devoted supporter of the Cleveland Orchestra and the Cleveland Museum of Art.

When he was not playing accordion at the Slovenian Home or at family gatherings, Raymond could be found playing bridge or tennis, reading, listening to music, dancing, or tending to his garden. He took particular pride in growing dahlias. A proud and hard-working U.S. Army veteran, Raymond was known for his sharp wit, thoughtful insight, and genuine kindness. He passed away on January 6, 2026. His legacy of love, service, and unwavering devotion to his wife and family will live on.

Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Ray to Musical Upcoming Stars in the Classics (M.U.S.I.C.), HERE or by mail to: 3939 Lander Rd, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022  or The Cleveland Museum of Art, HERE or by mail to: 1150 East Boulevard, OH 44106. Celebration of Life Service Monday January 19, 2026, at 12 noon at the Funeral Home. Reception and Luncheon following at Generations Center. Private Burial at Whitehaven Memorial Park Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Raymond at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2026 FROM 10AM-12NOON. Online obituary, guestbook, and order flowers at www.DeJohnCares.com.