Ray McKissick

Ray H. McKissick, 87, of Gastown, passed away Tuesday, June 15th, 2021. 

Born June 9th, 1934, near Latrobe, he was the son of Raymond H. and Minnie (Scott) McKissick.

Ray was a 1952 graduate of Kittanning High School. Ray and Sandy were the owners and operators of McKissick Optical and owned the business for over 50 years. Ray loved his family dearly, had a passion for all animals but especially loved horses and his dogs and loved the outdoors spending many hours hunting and fishing. Ray was also an avid trapshooter and won many awards, including the Grand American multiple times. 

Ray was inducted into the Pennsylvania State Trapshooting Hall of Fame in 1993. He was raised as a Master Mason March 31st, 1994. 

Ray is survived by is his loving wife, Alexandra (Sandy) Maurice McKissick; daughter-in-law, Linda McKissick; grandchildren, Kristi and Jesse Berthold, Tyson and Brandi McKissick; great grandchildren, Addison and Chase Berthold; nephews, Jay and Cindy Swigart, Charlie and Judy Jordan, Scott and Ann Jordan, Ray and Deb Swigart; a “second son”, Bernie Gaff, his wife Pam, and girls; and many wonderful and caring friends.

Preceding Ray in death were his parents; his son, Greg McKissick; sisters, Jean Jordan, Lucille Swigart and her husband Jay.

The family will hold private funeral arrangements under the direction of the John A Lefdahl Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to any animal shelter in his memory. 

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