Raymond L. Heiner

Raymond Lawrence Heiner was born on January 2, 1952, in Reading, Pennsylvania. He grew up in the city of Reading with his parents, Mary (Gruno) and Harry Heiner, and his aunt Catherine “Kitty” Gruno. As a child, Ray served as an altar boy. As a teenager and young adult, he developed a love of music and played electric guitar in a rock band. 

Ray graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1969 and went on to pursue a career in computers and information technology. In 1972, he met Patricia Ritter while they were both working in the same office building. The two married the following year and settled into a home in Robesonia, Pennsylvania, where they began their family. Their daughter Christine was born in 1976, followed by their son Stephen in 1979. In 1986, the family moved to Whitfield, Pennsylvania.

He spent most of his career at Carpenter Technology Corporation, where he worked for nearly 35 years. He retired in 2012, having most recently held the position of Senior Systems Analyst. Ray embraced retirement wholeheartedly, especially enjoying travel with his wife Pat. Together they visited many destinations, including Europe, and spent extended periods in Florida as snowbirds escaping Pennsylvania winters.

He had a deep love for animals and music, especially Steely Dan and Eric Clapton, as well as movies. Ray was known for his incredible sense of humor, sharp wit, and sarcastic streak, all of which endeared him to many friends. He was the go-to person for IT and financial advice and generously helped friends and family with technology issues and tax preparation over the years.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Mary (Gruno) Heiner and Harry Heiner, and his aunt Catherine Gruno. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Pat; his daughter Christine and her husband Jason; and his son Stephen. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the American Cancer Society.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home is honored to serve the Heiner family. Condolences may be written at KuhnFuneralHomes.com.