Obituary of Ray C. Hale

Ray C. Hale, 94, of Midland Park, passed away on July 3^rd in the loving arms of his children. Ray was born on May 7, 1924 to Ollie (Thomas) Hale and William F. Hale in Roanoke, Virginia. Ray graduated National Business College in Roanoke after serving in World War II. He was a humble man and a member of the Greatest Generation.  He was drafted in 1942 out of college and received basic training in Armored at Camp Hood, Texas. On June 10, he landed on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France as part of the Invasion of Europe. He served in five European campaigns and helped liberate Dachau. Shortly before the war ended in Europe, he received a battlefield commission, becoming a second lieutenant. As a reservist, he was called back to service in July 1950 as a member of the 780th Field Artillery Battalion. He was shipped to Korea and promoted to 1st Lieutenant and assigned as a forward observer. He participated in fighting on "Heartbreak Ridge", during which he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. Ray has many medals from his years of service, Including five European Campaign Medals, the Victory Medal/France, Victory Medal/World War II, and a Sharpshooter/rifle award. He returned home in 1953 and always considered himself "one of the lucky ones". After serving his country he worked as a salesman and raised his family in Midland Park where he lived for fifty years. He was a lifelong member of VFW Post 7086. He loved to hunt, fish and garden. He was a creative artist and poet. Ray had the most beautiful blue eyes, southern charm and impeccable manners. He was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife Anne, to whom he was married for 67 years. He leaves his four children, Catherine (Ronald) Omegna, Eileen D'Urso, Raymond Hale, and Elizabeth (Stephen) Frayne.  Four grandchildren; Elizabeth Omegna, Michael (Jennifer) Omegna, Stephen (Merry) Frayne and Christopher Frayne and one great granddaughter, Lucy Omegna. He also leaves his wife's sister and brothers to whom he was like a father.  The Hale family will receive friends on Monday, July 9^th, 10:00 until 11:00 AM followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home (www.vpfh.com), 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff.  A graveside service with Military Honors will follow at the Redeemer Cemetery in Mahwah.  The family asks that you thank a veteran and never take your freedom for granted.