Ray M. Protich

Ray M. Protich, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021.

Ray was born Aug. 25, 1934 at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron, Ohio, to the late Ray and Sylvia Protich.
Ray attended and graduated from Kenmore High School in 1953 having lettered all 4 years in baseball and lettered in basketball. He attended Akron University for 1 year and then joined the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany where he also played baseball and coached the battalion basketball team and had the honor of playing against the Harlem Globetrotters. He started the first bowling league at the Post.
After Ray’s honorable discharge he signed with the Cincinnati Baseball Club (Reds) and had a promising career until he had to pitch a 19 inning, 3 hit game that ruined his shoulder. He later enjoyed bowling, softball and golf.
He retired from Western and Southern Life in 1989 with 28 years of service. He was inducted into the Greater Akron Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990 with an impressive record beginning at the age of 9.
Ray later worked for the NAIFEDA Organization and Roses Run Golf Club. He was a past member of VFW Post 3383.
In addition to his parents, Ray is preceded in death by his grandson, Scott Protich; and sister, Beverly (Chuck) Karnuth. He is survived by wife of 60 years, Jeanne Protich; sons, Michael (Cynthia) and Ryan (Michelle) Protich; daughter, Kim Sanchez; 4 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; and many other loving family and friends.
Private burial will take place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.