He was born in Ludlow MA to William Ertel and Annie Jaciow Ertel. Ray's father served in the Air Force and Ray spent his childhood living in Bermuda, Alaska, and Dover Delaware. He graduated from high school in Delaware and attended Cape Cod Community College later in life, Following in his father's footsteps Ray joined the Air Force and served for 22 and a half years.
He was stationed at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage for 12 years and fell in love with Alaska. He was able to return twice after retirement and always felt the most at home there, He spent his last years in the Air Force at Loring AFB in Presque Isle Maine. he retired as a Master Sargent having worked in electronics and computer maintenance. He then spent 20 years as chief maintenance director for Cape Cod Kidney Center in Hyannis, MA.
In retirement he enjoyed trapshooting, representing Cape Cod Fish and Game club of Harwich ma. He was elected to the Mass. State Trapshoot team for highest scoring in the state. He was also an avid bowler playing in many leagues in Crystal River and Cape Cod.
He was predeceased by his wife of 16 years Camilla Besse Ertel.
He is survived by his three sons Roy(Kelly) Ertel of Odenten, MD. Lee Ertel of Orlando, FL, Mark(Rency) of Kissamee, FL. His wife Ann Wilson Ertel of 13 years of Crystal River and Chatham, MA. HIs three stepsons Salvatore (Lori) Prince of South Hadley, MA, Dante (Michelle) Prince of Katy, TX, Dylan (Lynda) Prince of Orleans, MA. His stepson Sean Kilawee of Portland, OR. His stepdaughters Tara (Randy) Jameison of Harwich, MA,and Serena Kilawee of Orleans, MA, his sister Dawn (Paul) Webster of Oceanside, CA, his daughter-in-law Corolla Ertel of Avon Park, FL and former wife Jennine Smith of Presque Isle, ME.
His grandchildren Alessandro, Elaina, Makyle, Elden, Derek, Brandon, Logan, Tian, Kyle, Ian, Vivien, Olivia, Ava, George, Ruth, Emerson, Osmond, Francis, and Liam. His great grandchildren Judah, Asher, Aurora and Eve. He was affectionally known as Grandpa, Grandpa Ray or Grandpa Honey.
Ray was a gentle giant with a loving heart filled with kindness and respect for all he knew. His "Hello Sunshine" will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A Visiting hour will be held at Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA on Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 1-2 PM with an honor guard ceremony at 2 PM. Donations in his memory are to be sent to Wounded Warrior Project.
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