RAYMOND R. CZECH, 70, of Broadview Heights, Ohio and Henderson, Nevada passed away at his home in Ohio on July 13, 2023. Ray was born on March 24, 1953 in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Garfield Heights High School in 1971. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Cleveland State University in 1975. Ray recently retired from the Las Vegas Sands Corporation where he worked as the Executive Director Global Cyber Security – Governance & Risk for many years.
Ray was a loving husband for almost 20 years to his beloved wife Barbara Fitzgerald. Ray is preceded in death by his parents Felicia (Wisniewski) and Walter; his sister Sharon Frygier. He is survived by his wife and loving children Stephanie Schmid (Paul), Wesley and step-children Nathaniel Gray, Stephan Mertik (Katy), Brendan Fitzgerald (Mayu) and Tristan Fitzgerald (Janessa); cherished grandsons Logan Schmid, Ethan Schmid, Kai Fitzgerald, Milo Fitzgerald and Lincoln Czech.
In his free time, Ray enjoyed sporting clay shooting. Recently, Ray served on the board of the National Sporting Clays Association. He was an active participant in events in both Las Vegas, Nevada and Northeast Ohio.
Ray was an active Scout and Scouter for 56 years.
Ray was a true servant leader in the scouting community, having had an illustrious career and leaving an indelible impact on countless lives. His dedication and commitment to scouting were evident through his achievements as an Eagle Scout in 1969 in the Great Cleveland Council, a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow since 1971, recipient of the Distinguished Service Award in 2012 and his recognition as a National Outstanding Eagle Scout 2023.
Ray has served Scouting in many different capacities from the local unit level to the Regional levels of Scouting. Ray has served as the Cuyahoga Lodge Adviser from 1983 to 1987. Ray served as a section adviser in the Central Region from 2002-2009. Ray became a member of the Order of the Arrow in 1968 and was called out for the Vigil Honor in 1971. Ray was recognized with the OA Founder’s Award in 1987 and was nationally recognized for his service to the Order of the Arrow with the Distinguished Service Award at the 2012 NOAC at Michigan State University. Ray was selected by his home lodge as a hometown hero with the Order of the Arrow’s Centurion Award in 2015.
Ray has not only attended a Philmont Training Center Conference but has staffed there as well. Ray has continued to volunteer his time and energy as a member of the Philmont Staff Association serving as Secretary for 6 years. Ray also served as the Chairman of the Philmont Staff Association Publication Committee for 2 years. He has also staffed the National Scout Jamboree’s in 1985 – 2010. Ray has also consistently staffed the National Order of the Arrow Conferences since 1998.
Ray has served on the Central Region Area 4 Committee for 4 years. Ray has also been involved with the National BSA Alumni Committee member for 3 years. Ray was a member of the National Venturing Committee and Las Vegas Area Council Alumni Committee.
Ray was honored with the Silver Beaver in 1982 from the Greater Cleveland Council and with the Silver Antelope in 2012 for distinguished service to the Central Region. Ray became a member of the James E. West Fellowship Award in 2006.
Ray’s contributions to the scouting community will be sorely missed. He brought wisdom, passion, and a genuine love for scouting to every meeting and event. Ray’s enthusiasm for guiding young scouts and helping them develop into confident leaders was truly inspiring.
Rest in peace, dear Ray Czech, and thank you for the immeasurable impact you have made on our lives.
In observance of Ray’s commitment to Boy Scouts of America, if you would like to donate to the BSA organization please mail all checks to PO Box 93388 Cleveland, OH 44101 and write the check to ‘Lake Erie Council’ and note in the memo ‘Donation – Raymond Czech’.
A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, July 23, 2023 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at Ferfolia Funeral Home, 356 West Aurora Road, Sagamore Hills, Ohio 44067.
