Raphael J. "Ray" Shouvlin

SHOUVLIN, Raphael Joseph, 62, made his last wildly inappropriate and probably sarcastic comment on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, in Vero Beach, Florida. Ray was born in Springfield, Ohio, on August 15, 1954, and was immediately dubbed "our favorite child" by Patrick J. and Dorothy P. Shouvlin. He was preceded in death by his parents, and older brother, Thomas P. Shouvlin. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Duncan Shouvlin; proudest accomplishments, Sarah R. Shouvlin (Vanessa Rivera), Frances A. Shouvlin (Trevor Sparaco), Maureen P. Sullivan (Shawn Sullivan), and grandson Braxton Sullivan; two much younger sisters, Tish (Shouvlin) Bonham and Torrie (Shouvlin) Parette; an assortment of outlaws, cousins, and nieces and nephews, along with best friend Daniel Donnelly. But Ray's demise will not allow any of them to emerge from his shadow. Ray was a member of St. Raphael Church, attended St. Raphael School, and Springfield Catholic Central High School. He then graduate from The Linsly School in West Virginia and attended Jacksonville University in Florida. He joined the United States Coast Guard in 1973, and was stationed in Cape May, New Jersey. In 1976, Ray and Teresa (Nuss) Shouvlin were wed, and swiftly relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, before the New Jersey authorities were notified of his whereabouts. Ray's employment history was standard: Astronaut, Oyster Shucker, Philanthropist and Head Window Washer. He had two basic philosophies regarding work - "Careers are for the unimaginative" and "Surround yourself with great people and stay the Hell out of the way". Ray left us knowing that Blazing Saddles was the best movie, Bruce Springsteen IS the best recording artist, Clint Eastwood IS the baddest man on the planet, and that chicks dig El Caminos. Though having less than an average life span, Ray did not live a less than average life. He traveled where he wanted, laughed inappropriately at every chance, learned what he wanted to learn, fixed what he wanted to fix, and loved who he wanted to love. And Ray, we love you back. Ray's life will be celebrated with friends and family at CONROY FUNERAL HOME in Springfield, OH on Thursday, April 20 at 6:30pm. Family will receive friends an hour prior. We will enjoy his favorite music and share our treasured memories after the service at The Stables restaurant (clubhouse of Windy Knoll Golf Course) in Springfield.