Raymond R. Romanczyk, Sr, 92, passed away peacefully in his sleep December 23, 2016. Born in Norfolk County (currently Chesapeake) Virginia of Polish immigrant parents, Joseph and Anna Romanczyk, he lived his entire life in the Polish-settled Sunray community.
Raymond was predeceased by the love of his life and wife of 47 years, Helen Murphy Romanczyk; his brothers Joseph, Andrew, Kazmere, and John Kenneth; and his sister Regina.
He is survived by his children, Jane Ann McNaught and husband Richard, Ann Marie Romanczyk and husband Jeff Nelson, and Raymond Romanczyk, Jr and wife Colleen; his brother, Ferdinand Romanczyk; grandchildren, Erin McNaught Slayton and husband Josh, Ali McNaught, Katy, Megan and Claire Romanczyk, and Graham Nelson; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Raymond served proudly in the U.S. Navy as a young sailor in the South Pacific on the USS PARKS (DE-165) during World War II and then as a Seabee in the U.S. Navy Reserves, retiring as SWCS (RES) after 28 years of service. He also retired from Civil Service after 36 years as a Planner and Estimator at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and then worked for several government contractors.
Raymond saw the worth and dignity in every human being. Because of his open and friendly approach to life, he "never met a stranger". From a humble upbringing, he worked hard throughout his life and shared both material goods and his time and talent with those in need. Anyone needing help with a problem or a project knew they could depend on Raymond. Helen and he were a formidable team and served the community they loved in so many ways including: helping Vietnamese and Polish refugees resettle into the community, working with the Haiti Relief Society, Oasis Social Ministry, The Well Retreat Center, school PTAs, and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. He was also was an active and lifelong member of his parish of St. Mary's Catholic Church that his grandfather helped build in 1915. Raymond was also an active member of the Fleet Reserve Association. Until arthritis hampered his grip, he enjoyed spending time on the golf course, but he most enjoyed time with his family and friends and making others laugh, especially his grandchildren – whom he adored.
Raymond's family would especially like to thank the McNaught family who included Raymond in all of their gatherings; caregivers and dear friends Marcie Eubanks and Celeste Holmes; Bob and Vicky Collette, who brought him weekly Communion after he became homebound; his youngest brother, Ferdinand, without whom he could not have remained for so long in the home he built and loved; Dr. Charles Larry Harris and his wonderful staff who were more than medical advisors, they were good friends; and Maria Irlinger and her staff at Georgian Manor who helped ease his transition into assisted living and took the time to listen to his stories, of which he had many; and the many other members of the community who were part of his "extended family."
The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. at Foster Funeral Home, 1926 High St, Portsmouth. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 536 Homestead Rd, Chesapeake. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church, Chesapeake; Oasis Social Ministry, Portsmouth; or the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.