Raymond "Ray" F. Pesta

On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, Raymond “Ray” F. Pesta, 85, passed away at York Hospital. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Francis and Lorretta (Olszewski) Pesta. A proud native of Cleveland, Ray was always a man in motion. An amateur boxer in his youth, he, then, went on to be softball player at St. John’s. More recently, he loved working out with his friends at the YMCA; he also enjoyed playing bocce ball and shuffleboard. At the same time, he channeled his energy into servicing others. He served on the U.S.S. Hank after his high school graduation. After being honorable discharged from the Navy, he continued to serve his community and country as a member of the VFW and American Legion. He was a Knight of Columbus, 4th degree, additionally. A secret fan of sweets like tootsie rolls and ice cream, he devoted his greatest amount of time and energy to his sweetheart, the late Veronica “Ronnie” E. (Karasek) Pesta who passed in 2017 after 52 years of marriage. Ray is survived by his children, Laura Rathburn (Chuck) and David Pesta; three grandchildren, Christina, Katharine “Kate”, Elizabeth “Lizzy”; two siblings, Leona Tokich and Donald Pesta; and many nephews and great nephews and nieces. On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., 24 N. Second St., New Freedom, PA 17349, a public viewing will be held from 6-8 PM for family and friends. A Funeral Liturgy will begin at 12 PM on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 315 N. Constitution Ave., New Freedom, PA. Interment will immediately follow in the adjoining cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation at www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate; or the YMCA at www.ymca.org/donate.