H. Ray Gillentine Jr.

H. Ray Gillentine Jr., "Ray", age 57, passed away October 13, 2025, after decades of fighting Muscular Dystrophy. Ray was born in Akron and he lived his early years in Mogadore before purchasing his home in Ellet where he resided until his passing. Ray graduated from Mogadore High School in 1986, after years of tormenting Assistant Principal Tom Murphy.

Ray won Little Mr. Mogadore as a youngster and was a competitive roller skater, a nurse aide, short order cook, nail tech/instructor, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, a pharmacy tech, a police dispatcher and he retired as an Officer of the Franklin Police Department. He loved his job as an Officer and loved to help people. He just loved people. Ray was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Moose Club.

Ray loved to have fun and he had the best laugh. He loved his family and friends and liked to travel. Ray enjoyed a comfy home-cooked meal, good chocolate (Temo's was his fav), a scary movie, good music (he loved Stevie Nicks, Boston, Ronnie James Dio, and the Judds, to name a few), and Ray loved playing and snuggling with his multitude of pups and kitties. He was well known for breeding Golden Retrievers for over 20 years.

Preceded in death by his father H. Ray Gillentine Sr. and his brother John P. Gillentine, he is survived by his mother Deanna L. Stein, seester Charisse Jicha and sister Kirsten Balletti, nephews AJ, Ryan, Mac, Anthony and Joe and nieces Amy and Emma and long-time partner and care-giver Ray Adams.

The family would appreciate any donations to ASPCA as any one who knew Ray, knew he fiercely loved animals.

Family and friends will be received Tuesday, October 21st from 6 to 8pm at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44312. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 22nd at 1pm with burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Mogadore.

Fly High Little Brother!