Raymond D. Smith

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Raymond D. Smith, 59, of Harrisburg, Pa., and formerly of Streator, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 5, at UPMC Pinnacle Hospital in Harrisburg.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Streator. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Solon-Telford Funeral Home in Streator. The Rev. Philip Halfacre will officiate. Burial will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery in Streator. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Born Oct. 21, 1958, in Streator, he was the son of John and Dorothy (Fetsko) Smith.

He is survived by a sister, Judy Stone, of Fort Mill, S.C.; a brother, Robert (Cathy) Smith, of Normal; nephews, Terry (Jennifer) Stone, of Fort Mill, S.C., Eric (Tiffany) Smith, of Normal, Erin (Luke) Leesman, of Minier; his girlfriend, Penny Gamage, of Galesburg, with whom he had plans to retire with this fall; also several great-nieces and nephews survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a niece, Lee Ann Morris.

Born and raised in Streator, he graduated from St. Stephen’s Grade School in the Class of 1972. He later graduated from Streator High School in the Class of 1976. He also earned his associate degree from Lakeland College.

After college, Ray worked in various roles in broadcasting in Charleston, Mendota and later Salem, Ill. He then worked from 1986 until 1997 for Galesburg Broadcasting (WGIL-WAAG) Radio. He started off as a morning news anchor and then co-hosted the “Raymond and Raymond” Morning Show. An avid Chicago sports fan, he also did play-by-play and enterprise sports reporting.

In 1998, he relocated to Harrisburg, Pa., to work for Radio Pennsylvania Networks/WTTF Enterprises. At the time of his death, he was working in public relations for the Republican representatives in the House of Representatives.

He was of the Catholic faith and was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus member.

Memorials may be directed to Msgr. George A. Dzuryo Knights of Columbus Council 790 or the Harrisburg Knights of Columbus Council 3167.

Condolences may be left for the family at solontelford.com.

Solon-Telford Funeral Home

301 S. Park St., Streator, IL 61364

815-672-2320 solontelford.com