Reverend Raymond J. Leurck, 77, of The Villages, FL, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2017 after a long illness. Father Ray was born on July 22, 1940 in Cincinnati, Ohio, son of Raymond F. and Margaret E. (Staunton) Leurck.
During Father Ray’s priesthood he served in many capacities including assistant pastor, pastor and campus minister. He served his country as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force for 23 years, achieving the rank of full Colonel. Father Ray’s priesthood of 50 years was filled with his love of God and people. In his leisure time Father Ray enjoyed spending time with his family and his many friends, boating and golfing.
Father Ray is survived by his brothers William (Maxine) and Joseph (Karen) Leurck, his sister Peggy Ayres and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lady Lake, FL. Relatives and friends may pay their respects to Father Ray’s family at the church from 9:45 a.m. to the time of the Mass. A reception will follow in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Burial with full military honors will be at 2:30 p.m. at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.
Donations in Father Ray’s memory may be made to Food for the Poor, a charity he supported. Their address is: P.O. Box 979005, Coconut Creek, FL 33097.
