Raymond "Sank" Sankey

Raymond C. Sankey, of Masury, Ohio, passed away at 4:30am on Sunday, June 17, 2018, while a patient at Sharon Regional Health Care System, Sharon, Pennsylvania, following a brief illness. He was 83.

Born Friday, May 24, 1935, in Sharon, a son of the late Howard and Elizabeth (Crea) Sankey.

He graduated from Brookfield High School in 1953, where he excelled in football and baseball. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served our country from November 1953 to November 1956, as part of a marine detachment aboard the USS New Jersey, a service he remained proud of his entire life. After being honorably discharged, he was employed at Sharon Steel Corp as a first helper in the electric furnace. He was later also employed by the Frito Lay Corp and finally retiring from the former Caparo Steel plant of Farrell, Pennsylvania.

On the day he returned from the Marine Corp, he met the woman who would later become his wife, the former Rose Marie Palmier. They were married May 17, 1958, she preceded him in death on March 27, 2016.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by his brothers, William and John,

He is survived by his three daughters, Karen of Brookfield, Ohio, Janet of Masury, and Diane and her husband Brian Taylor of Mercer, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by his two granddaughters, Erica and her fiancé Aaron Mild of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, and Megan of Mercer, Pennsylvania. He also leaves a sister, Ruth Headings of Sharon, his sister in law, Jenny Palmier of Hubbard, Ohio, and Shirley Sankey of Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, as well as several nieces and nephews. Last but not least by his “grand dog” Archie and cats Lily and Oliver.

Raymond enjoyed playing golf, having been a member of the Sharon Steel Golf League that played at Yankee Run every Friday night for many years. He also enjoyed watching golf, football, and baseball on TV and trips to the local casinos. He was honored by the Brookfield High School Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the undefeated 1949 football team, an honor he was extremely proud of.

Raymond was an incredibly loving husband, father and Papa who will be missed terribly by the family he leaves behind. He was always happiest spending time with family.

In Raymond’s memory, his family suggests contributions may be made to: Club Pet Adoption-20 Schaller Road-Transfer, PA 16154, since he loved and cared for his pets throughout his life.

A time of gathering in honor of Raymond will be held on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, from 6-9pm, in the home of Briceland Funeral Service, located on the historic village green at 379 State Route 7, SE, Brookfield, Ohio 44403. His celebration continues with a funeral service on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, beginning at 11am also in the funeral home. He will be laid to rest next to his wife in Brookfield Township Cemetery.