He was born in Trenton, N.J. on August 10, 1928, son of Raymond A. Dreisbach, Sr. and Helen M. (Giedlinski) Dreisbach. He graduated from Morrisville High School in Morrisville, PA, where he played trombone in the band. He graduated from Penn State in 1952 with BS Chemical Engineering, and University of Louisville Speed Scientific School 1953 with his Masters in Chemical Engineering. He played in various jazz bands for fun, and had a lifelong affinity for jazz music. He worked as an Engineer for Pratt & Whitney starting in 1955 on loan in Oak Ridge, TN where he met his future wife. They returned to Connecticut settling in Essex briefly then in Old Saybrook, CT. He retired as Systems Engineer from PW in 1991. He was a dedicated supporter of the Red Cross Bloodmobile. As a regular blood donor, he gave 174 units or 21 ½ gallons. Ray and Dottie were members of the CT Bulldog club and raised a mother dog and litter, who became the watchdogs over their daughter.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy; his daughter Mary Peterson and her husband Brian of Bethlehem, CT; his granddaughter – his pride and joy – Theadora Sultana Peterson, with whom he got to enjoy the past 9 months. He is fondly remembered by his step grandchildren Athena Peterson, Brian Michael Peterson, and Eleni Peterson; his niece Karen Dreisbach Aafox; his nephew William Dreisbach; and his godson Todd Krauth.
The Knights of Columbus and St. John Church were his second family and home. Ray was a fixture at Saturday Vigil Mass at St John Church in Old Saybrook. He served as Usher for over 50 years until last Saturday, and as a Eucharistic Minister until arthritis overtook his hands. He became a 3rd degree Knight in 1955, and attained 4th degree in 1975. He was a member of the Color Guard Corps, serving in full dress for many functions over the years. He held many positions in the local council, including Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator, Faithful Scribe, Trustee, and Financial Secretary for his last position, retiring in 2016 after 20 years in this role. He served as District Deputy, and founded the Essex council. He was also a member of BPOE Lodge 1784 of Westbrook.
Friends and Family may visit Monday, December 17, 5-7p.m. at Swan Funeral Home 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, December 18, 11 a.m. at St. John Church, 161 Main Street, Old Saybrook. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Westbrook.
Memorial donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus Father Hussion Council 2968, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, or St. John Church, 161 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475.
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