[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 109 (Monday, July 14, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING RAYMOND HARRY GANTZ

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 14, 2014

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, communities find their strength in the 
dedicated individuals who offer their time and energy to benefit the 
public good. For the Yonkers community, Raymond Harry Gantz personified 
that strength and dedication for decades.
  Ray was born to Ellen White and Harry R. Gantz in 1944. Following 
high school and college, he spent a few years serving his country in 
the Naval Reserve, stationed in the Great Lakes, and started a 
wonderful family. After leaving the service, Ray pursued a career in 
sales, where his bubbly personality and gift of gab helped him sell 
everything from insurance to vitamins to Avon products.
  Upon retiring, Ray decided to once again serve the public good by 
dedicating his time to several community organizations and groups in 
Yonkers. He served as Vice President of the Yonkers African American 
Heritage Committee; Board Member of the Nepperhan Community Center; 
Member of the Terrace City Lodge #1499 Senior Group #9; and Board 
Member and Advisor of Jefferson Terrace Resident Council Association.
  A doting and proud grandfather, Ray could always be found with a 
smile on his face and a joke ready, products of his overall happy 
disposition. He stayed busy in retirement beyond his community work, 
returning in recent years to sales where he tried his hand at being a 
vendor at various flea markets, festivals and craft fairs.
  Sadly, Ray passed away on June 7, 2014 at the age of 69, surrounded 
by the friends and family he loved so, all of whom he touched in some 
special way. Although he is gone, the legacy Ray has left and the work 
he did to better his community will live forever, and I am proud to 
honor him and his life here today.

                          ____________________