Of Shaler Twp., on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Mr. Kredell was the beloved husband of Winifred Hyland Kredell; father of Theresa A. Stockdale (Greg), Raymond F. Kredell (Trish), Nancy K. Baime (Ron), Stephen J. Kredell (Renata), and Gregory J. Kredell (Tonya); son of the late Anne E. Carroll and George A. Kredell; brother of Anne Kredell, and the late George Kredell, James Kredell, Francis Brendan Kredell, FSC, and Alice Laffey; grandfather of Laura, Brendan & Sarah Stockdale, Emma & Stephen Baime, Alexandra Hartwick (Tim), Katherine, Elizabeth, Madeline, Samuel, Anne, Ryan, Alice and Josef Kredell.
Rays wife and best friend, Winnie, will forever miss the love of her life. From the moment they met, he charmed her with his kindness, goodness, and unique sense of humor. Throughout their 57 years of marriage, they indeed became one. At the end of each workday, he always greeted Winnie with a kiss. They enjoyed long walks at Hartwood Acres, challenging puzzles, and meals at favorite restaurants. The enduring testament of their love was when he had Alzheimers Disease and covid forced quarantines. They spent their days together, savoring final gifts and treasuring beautiful memories. Time with Winnie was his trustworthy source of comfort and assurance until his last day.
Family was at the center of Rays life. He lived a life of giving, integrity, and humility and led by example for his children. Ray seized teachable moments with actions and words and taught the importance of small, often overlooked everyday moments. They included "choose smart words over foul words," "take the stairs instead of the elevator," "treat a girl as you want people to treat your sister," "never wear a hat to the table," "conduct yourself so that everyone is better off because you were part of their day." In addition, Ray was a man of uncommon selflessness. He always thought of others before himself and delighted in going out of his way to make life easier for his loved ones. He was a true giver and exemplified the art of giving rather than receiving.
When his father passed away, Ray was just 18. He promised he would take care of his mother and sister, and he certainly did. His parents instilled faith and love in the family, and Ray would often mention how his parents made him feel loved. He treasured his three older brothers, who were gone too soon. He enjoyed many years of friendship with his two sisters. He also loved spending time with his many nieces and nephews. Their well-being and happiness gave him great joy and their visits as he neared eternity were treasured times
Ray was known for his loyalty, generosity, kindness, faith, work ethic, and laughter. He was an overcomer who faced significant loss yet constantly dwelled on the gifts in life. He cultivated a beautiful yard, was a fantastic navigator, and greeted everyone with a smile. The endearing stories of Rays sense of humor are endless, indeed.
Ray excelled during his 35+ years in the trucking industry. Everyone in the offices he visited lit up when he came in. He always had a fun surprise or unique greeting. He achieved professional success through natural talent, grit, and an earnest desire to be a good provider. He was ahead of his time in relationship sales and became an icon in the trucking industry.
Ray had unwavering faith in God. He taught his children to trust and give glory to God for all good things. He lived out his faith by example and weaved moments for thanks to the Lord into everyday life. He sang in the church choir on Sundays and in the Lazarus choir at funeral masses.
His legacy will live on through memories of his wisdom and wit that infuse laughter amid sorrow and guide the character of his descendants. Heaven has gained an incredible man, and we thank God for sharing Ray with us for 90 years. We all miss his unique quips and ability to bless everyone with uncommon kindness. His family and friends take great peace in knowing he is now fully healed and restored to his perfect, healthy, and robust self in heaven. Thank you, Ray, Dad, Pap-Pap, Uncle, and friend, for the love and life you shared with us all. He gave us every ounce of love he had through to the end. He is forever in our hearts. So, until we meet again (& we surely will), we will focus on laughter and maybe even a few "Yuenglings for the Ding-A-Lings!"
Celebrate Mr. Kredells life with his family on Sunday from 4-7 PM at PERMAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 923 Saxonburg Blvd., Shaler Twp. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Glenshaw on Monday at 10:00 AM. The family requests masks to be worn. The family respectfully suggests donations be made to Unicefusa.org, Protect the Children of Ukraine.