Raymond Fant

Raymond (Ray) Shalom Fant passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on September 15, 1935, to Betty and Phillip Fant, Ray lived a life marked by service, learning, family, and an enduring love for his Cleveland roots.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Sheldon Fant and Myron Fant.

A proud graduate of Cleveland Heights High School, Ray attended The Ohio State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and developed a lifelong devotion to Ohio State athletics. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University and dedicated his professional career to helping children and families in need.

Ray served as Associate Director of Bellefaire JCB, one of Northeast Ohio’s leading child and family service organizations. His commitment to improving the lives of others extended well beyond his professional work. He served as President of Temple Shir Shalom and as Vice President of the National Association of Social Workers, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues, congregants, and friends alike.

Ray proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps, carrying throughout his life the values of service, integrity, and dedication.

While Ray’s accomplishments were many, those who knew him best will remember his warmth, curiosity, humor, and enthusiasm for life. He loved gardening, reading, studying the Talmud, boating and fishing on Lake Chautauqua, and spending time with family and friends. A devoted Cleveland sports fan, he faithfully followed the Cleveland Guardians, Cavaliers, and Browns through every season, celebrating the victories and enduring the disappointments with equal loyalty. Athletics remained an important part of his life; he enjoyed baseball, tennis, and racquetball, and continued bowling well into his nineties. He remained a devoted Ohio State Buckeyes fan throughout his life.

For the past fourteen years, Ray and his beloved wife Judy enjoyed a bi-state life, spending summers in the Cleveland area and winters in Naples, Florida. Whether gathered around family, cheering on his favorite teams, or enjoying the beauty of Lake Chautauqua, Ray found joy in the simple blessings of life.

Above all, Ray treasured his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Judy, with whom he shared 35 wonderful years of marriage; his children, Deborah, Danny (Angie), Michael (Cynthia), and Josh (Melissa); and his stepchildren, Mitchell (Deb), Michael (Debbie), Ricky (Maureen), Robert (Laurie), Eric (Hilary), and Evan (Debbie).

Ray was a proud grandfather to Victoria Daddario (Joey), Adriana, Bianca, Alexander, and Devon & Bryn Hogenson. He was also a loving step-grandfather to Sean Marks (Kim), Nolan Marks (Ally), Shea Golonka (Alex), Charlie Marks (Jenna), Katie Marks, Ellye Wetherwax (Evan), Luke Marks, Emily Marks, Sam Marks, Allyson Marks, Ryan Marks, Johnathan Marks, Julia Marks, Morgan Marks, Miles Marks, Lindsey Marks, and Chad Marks.

His legacy continues through his cherished great-grandchildren: Crew Marks, Quinn Marks, Millie Marks, Poppy Golonka, Palmer Golonka, Emmy Wetherwax, and Henry Wetherwax.

Ray also had a special relationship with his nephew and nieces Alan, Cathy, Robin and Jodi.

Ray will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family, community, and faith. He touched countless lives through his professional work, volunteer service, friendships, and love for those around him. His legacy of compassion, integrity, and service will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 18 at 1PM at the BERKOWITZ-KUMIN-BOOKATZ MEMORIAL CHAPEL1985 S. TAYLOR RD. CLEVELAND HEIGHTS,OHIO 44118. Interment Zion Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Tikvah, 1459 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, Florida 34109.

Family will receive friends at the Village Clubhouse in The Village 26000 Village Lane, Beachwood, Ohio 44122 TUESDAY FOLLOWING SERVICES UNTIL 8PM, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY 1PM-3PM & 6PM-8PM

Friends who are not able to attend the service, may view it on Tuesday, August 18, at 1PM by going to BKBMC.COM, scroll down to obituaries, click on the obituary of Raymond S. Fant, scroll down to live stream, click on live stream