  Ray was a three sport athlete at Fenwick, lettering in football & basketball his sophomore & senior years, and on Fenwick's first baseball team his senior year. He attended St.Gregory's Seminary for his junior year before returning to Fenwick for his senior year.
Ray was a two-way starter on the football team, playing center and nose guard. Being strong up the middle is a key to success and his leadership was instrumental in the Falcons having a successful season with an overall record of 7-3 and co-champs of the LSBL. Ray's athleticism also allowed Coach Harkrader to utilize him in the "Big Backfield" alongside two other linemen, Mike Scorti and Bob Schwab. While it was used primarily in short yardage situations, Ray did manage to break loose for a 55 yard run. He was also used as a pass receiver from the center position in the "Lonesome Polecat" formation.
In basketball, Ray played forward and was the captain for legendary Coach Butch Rossi's first team. He was an aggressive defender, an excellent 'rebounder', and a consistent double figure scorer for the Falcons that compiled a 12-7 record and finished as co-champs of the LSBL district finals. This was a significant accomplishment at that time, since there were only two divisions in Ohio high school.
Ray was an excellent fielding first baseman and clean-up hitter for the baseball team that won the LSBL championship and finished with an 11-4 record. They went on to lose in the ...(page split)... sports, and Fenwick was assigned to the large school division, having two boys over the small school division limit.
His senior year Ray was selected first team All-league in football and basketball, and received Fenwick's Catholic Athlete of the Year award.
After Fenwick, Ray attended the University of Dayton, where he played four years of varsity baseball. Upon graduating from UD he worked for Armco Steel/AK Steel for 32 years, retiring in 1996 as Corporate Director of Labor Relations.
Ray started dating his wife Sandie while attending Fenwick and they have been married for 48 years. They have raised four children, with seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. One of Ray's proudest accomplishments, besides his family, is obtaining a masters degree from the University of Cincinnati at age 52.
Ray's community involvement has been with numerous volunteer activities, including president of John XXIII's Elementary PTA, Chairman of the YMCA Membership Campaign, and Chairman of the United Way Industrial Division in Middletown. He has been a CYO coach and supporter of the Fenwick sports programs for many years.
Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have continued each year to support the students at Fenwick with the Ray and Kitty Kelly Memorial Award. This memorial award is given to a graduating senior who exemplifies "the spirit of Kairos." The student shows concern and respect for fellow students, integrity, honesty and willingness to share his or her faith journey. |
