Ronald J. Rainey, 70, of Marion, Ohio, passed away 26 April 2012 at Marion General Hospital. Rainey was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on 30 Nov. 1941 to Joseph and Mary Rainey. He graduated from North Royalton High School in 1960 and Kent State University in 1965, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education.
Rainey’s position with GTE brought him, wife Janet and their family to Marion from Erie, Penn., in 1980. Heretired from GTE in 1996 after a 27-year career as manager of buildings, fleet and energy. He went on to serve as area director for the Marion Cancer Society and led the office to national accolades with the annual Cancer Stereothon fundraiser.
Sailing on Lake Erie was a lifelong passion for Rainey. He skippered five boats to Boat of the Year in the Erie MORC fleet in Erie, Penn., and served one term as commander of the Marion Sail & Power Squadron. He and his family spent their summers sailing in Sandusky Bay.
Rainey is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Janet; daughter Jill L. (and husband Ken) Walls of Sunbury; son Jeffrey R. (and wife Jill) Rainey of Marion; granddaughter Abigail Janet Walls of Sunbury; and many cousins and friends. Ron was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Dennis Rainey.
