Raymond McClory

Raymond McClory, passed away three days shy of his 102nd birthday, peacefully surrounded by the love of his family.

Beloved husband and best friend of the late Lucille (Samon). Loving father of Lydia McClory, Deborah (James) Stafford, the late Victoria (Charles) Earley, and Rebecca (John) Cavallone. Fond grandfather of 10, great-grandfather of 14, and 2nd-great-grandfather of 9. Preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Marie (Parchem) McClory, younger siblings Frank "Butch," Edward "Herkie," Terese Petroske, and Grace Jacobe and son-in-law Norman Waters.

Born in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood on March 8, 1924, Ray experienced much in his lifetime: the trials of the Great Depression, service in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and active duty in the Navy during World War II aboard the USS Winooski, an oil tanker that was torpedoed on November 1, 1942, during the landings at Fedala on the North African coast. Through his Navy service, Ray had the opportunity to see the world. He was honorably discharged as a BM2c in late 1946 and returned home to Chicago.

Ray was awarded the following for his World War II service - the American Area Campaign Medal, the European African Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

Ray proudly recounted the story of meeting his beloved Lucille in 1946: "I was looking for my brother Butch in a bar-he owed me money. I heard someone calling 'Butch, Butch,' and since we looked very similar, I went over to the table where three girls were sitting. I told them I wasn't Butch but his older brother Raymond. Butch had been dating Alvina, Lucille's sister. I offered to buy the girls a drink. Alvina and her friend soon excused themselves, leaving me talking with Lucille for over an hour. I asked her, 'What are you doing next Friday?' 'Are you asking me out on a date?' she replied. 'I guess so.' When Friday came, the houses in the neighborhood all looked alike, and Lucille's parents often hosted parties, so I went to the house with the party. They offered me a beer and asked who I was looking for. I said Lucille, and they told me I had the wrong house-go next door." Around Christmas that year, Ray said to Lucille, "I don't know what to get you for Christmas." She replied, "An engagement ring would be nice." Ray and Lucille were married the following year on August 9, 1947. They perfectly complemented each other and made one another better.

As an executive in the trucking industry, overseeing sales and operations for various companies, Ray was known for securing clients others thought impossible and creating efficiencies that saved time and money. He often shared with loved ones how his superiors promoted him or how competitors hired him for his outstanding performance.

Ray served faithfully at St. Thomas More Church in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood for many years. After moving to Mokena in 1998, he finally retired in 2005 at the age of 81. He lost his beloved wife in May 2011 after 63 years of marriage.

In later years, Ray served at the local VFW in Mokena, where he enjoyed exchanging service stories with fellow veterans. The Village of Mokena honored Raymond for his military service on September 22, 2025.

In his final years, Ray could be found worshiping his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ every Sunday alongside his son-in-law Charles. He cherished special days spent with his daughters and their families, reminiscing and treasuring their time together. Whether known for years or met by chance, Ray was beloved for sharing life stories, jokes, and songs. He was always happy and joyful. Ray led an exemplary life that we should all strive to model.

In lieu of flowers donations to St Jude can be made at the link below in honor of Ray.  

Visitation Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 3:00-7:00 PM at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 19604 Wolf Road, Mokena, IL. Thursday, March 12, 2026, 9:30 AM at the Funeral Home to St. Mary Catholic Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow on Good Shepherd Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum