Raymond Bach

Bach, Raymond L., age 93, died in his sleep on Friday, November 23, 2012 at the Hospice Center in Dayton, Ohio after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his wife A. Eileen (Garrity) Bach, his parents, John A. and Mary (Kauffman), sister Florence Bucher, brother Rev. Walter Bach, S.M., son Michael Edward Bach and Michael's wife, Lana (Terebinski) Bach, and most recently, his younger brother and companion, John H. Bach, Jr. Ray is survived by his sons Dennis (Barbara), Thomas (Rosemary), Lawrence, James, and Jerome (Deborah), and his only daughter Ann Marie Murray (Robert). He derived great pleasure from the company of his grandchildren, Cory S. (Katie), Katie Tuzmen (Ozan), Philip, Bridget, Edward, Jennifer, Caroline, Mallory Murray, Meaghan Murray, Hugh Robert Murray, Marsha Harrod, Melissa, Mindy, and Michael. He was overjoyed by his great grandchildren, Allison, Spencer, and the new baby, Aylin Tuzmen.
Ray attended grade school during the Depression at Holy Rosary Elementary School in North Dayton. He graduated from Chaminade High School in 1937 and studied at the YMCA to become an electrician. To his father's slight dismay, he obtained a position as an apprentice electrician with Frigidaire, which at the time was a division of General Motors. His father had concerns regarding the stability of General Motors and would have preferred that he worked for NCR. Even as a young man he liked to work on things, including his first car, a Ford Model T. In addition to providing transportation, the car served as a conversation piece in the family, mostly because of his father's disdain for the vehicle. As a parent of six boys, he would later learn to appreciate his father's concerns regarding used vehicles.
In September, 1942, he offered his services to his country in the Army Air Force and rose to the rank of Master Sergeant. For a time he was stationed at the Boeing plant in Seattle, Washington where he worked on the electrical systems of the B-29 Bomber. On February 7, 1946, he was Honorably Discharged from his service due to demobilization, although he would have preferred to continue working on planes in the Air Corps.
After discharge, he was able to return to his job at Frigidaire and, on February 16, 1946, he married the love of his life, Eileen Garrity, a graduate of Julienne High School. Her father was a local dentist well known in the Democrat Party. They were inseparable until her death on October 26, 1988. He remained devoted to her until he died.
Ray's job classification at Frigidaire was an instrument repairman, and in fact he could fix just about anything. He supplemented his income by offering suggestions to the company that, when implemented, would provide a cash reward. The money was needed to help support his growing family. His employment followed the transition of General Motors in the Dayton area in that after Frigidaire was sold, he worked for Harrison Radiator and Delco Air, even though his repair desk never moved. After 48 years of service, he retired from General Motors.
Throughout his life Ray was a devout Catholic, including active participation in the growth of St. Anthony Parish and regular attendance at novenas at St. Albert the Great Church. His faith was unwavering and guided him in his final days. He was particularly moved by receiving the Last Rites from his nephew, Rev. Thomas A. Nevels. Although of modest means, his financial contributions to a myriad of faith based charities was constant.
In retirement, he became involved in assisting the Oakwood Historical Society with the upkeep of the Homestead at the request of his neighbor and friend, Harry Oxrider. Tinkering with the old mansion fed his life's vocation. He kept in shape by riding a bicycle for miles upon miles with his sons and grandchildren. The bicycles he rode later in life were quite a bit different from his first bike which he made in grade school from spare parts. At the age of 87, he was delighted to take a ten mile tour of San Francisco on two wheels, which included riding over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. He was a special companion to his son James.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the physicians and staff of Kettering Medical Center, Stonespring of Vandalia, and Hospice of Dayton for the care and compassion provided in his final days.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 830 Bowen St., Dayton, Ohio. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 30, 2012 at Westbrock Funeral Home, 1712 Wayne Ave., Dayton, Ohio, 45410. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be considered in Ray's name to St. Anthony Catholic Church or the Oakwood Historical Society, 1947 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood, OH 45419 where the family intends to create a memorial fund.