Raymond Bilinski

Raymond Bilinski, 95, residing in Mishawaka, passed away at 10:13 pm Friday, July 24, 2015 at Tanglewood Trace Assisted Living Facility, Mishawaka. He was born August 7, 1919 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Frank and Bertha (Gruszczynski) Bilinski. On January 21, 1950 in St. Mathew Cathedral, South Bend, he married Martha Ann Cleghorn, who passed away October 15, 2014 after 64 years of marriage. Ray worked many years at Studebaker and later in his career as a purchasing agent for AM General. He was a member of St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, where he served as an usher for over 40 years.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army during WWII, achieving the rank of Tech Sergeant and earning the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars, the American Theater Ribbon, The American Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal. Ray was an avid golfer and he truly loved Notre Dame football.

Ray is survived by two daughters, Sharon Clark of South Bend and Janet (Michael) Vineyard of Houston, TX; two sons, Dave (Deb Duve) Bilinski of Ft. Wayne and Larry (Michelle) Bilinski of South Bend; six grandchildren, Sarah Clark, Jamison (Danielle) Clark, Adam (Sarah) Bilinski, Eric Bilinski, Justin Vineyard and Alexis Vineyard; and four great grandchildren, Holden Clark, Callista Clark, Addison Bilinski, and Charlotte Bilinski; his sister Virginia Mackowiak of Granger; brother Edward Bilinski of South Bend; and his sister in law, Dolores Bilinski of South Bend. Ray was preceded in death by his three sisters, Adele Waruszynski, Margaret Lies and Maryann Pye; and  his three  brothers, Chester, William and Robert Bilinski.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Thursday, July 30, 2015 at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, 2310 E. Jefferson, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family Wednesday, July 29, 2015 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Palmer Funeral Home - River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, where a prayer service will be held at 6:45 PM. Friends may also visit one hour prior to mass on Thursday  in the church.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Ray may be donated to Center for Hospice Foundation, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences may be left for the Bilinski family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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