Raymond P. Belko, 88, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning. Ray is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Kathleen, his daughters Kati Belko and her husband Carl Johnson, Anne Belko and her husband Mark Romano, Mary Belko and her husband Jim Haase, his daughter-in-law Kathy, and sons, Tim Belko and his wife Lynn Schaefer, Brian Belko, John Belko and his wife Connie Belko, Steve Belko and his wife Melanie Belko, and Michael Belko and his wife Jennifer Belko. He is also survived by his 23 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Ray was predeceased by his eldest son Raymond E. and his brother Leonard. Ray was born on December 5, 1931 to his parents Rudolph and Stella Belko in Philadelphia, PA.

Ray started his career making lamp shades where his boss told him "I have big plans for you". Well Ray had bigger plans as he moved to General Electric, then RCA, then to Boeing Vertol where he made his mark and retired as Chief Engineer after 24 years. At Boeing Ray secured multiple patents for critical improvements to the rotor systems of the iconic Chinook and Osprey helicopters. During the early years and in between raising 9 children, Ray continued to pursue his engineering degree and eventually graduated from Temple University. If that wasn't enough, Ray moved from Philadelphia to Blackwood, New Jersey with his new wife Kathleen and built his, his parents, and the neighbors houses on his own with help from his father Rudy.

Ray was an avid fitness buff long before it was the thing to do. He religiously worked out 3 days a week since a young man and well into his 80's. He would regularly challenge his sons, their friends, and especially his daughter's boyfriends to push up contests where he embarrassed many a proud young man. He played tennis, collected coins, loved to play pinochle, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, loved socializing with his friends at the Gloucester Township Senior Center, and traveled just about every state in the union, but first and foremost cherished spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

All are welcome to come help celebrate Ray's life and share your memories on Tuesday March 3, 2020 between 9:00-11:00 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in Our Lady of Hope Parish-St. Agnes Church Coles Road and Little Gloucester Road Blackwood, NJ. A luncheon will follow Mass at Auletto Caterers 1849 Cooper Street, Almonesson, NJ. Please dress casually.