Raymond A

Raymond A. Garforth

Raymond Garforth, 88, passed away peacefully on January 23rd, reunited with his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 54 years, Margaret, who preceded him in death in 1993.

Born in Halifax, England, Mr. Garforth came to the U.S. in 1921 with his parents, Arthur and Martha Garforth, and spent his life in Akron and Cuyahoga Falls. He attended North High School where he met his wife in the 9th grade. He was a World War II B-24 bomber pilot stationed in Italy and received the Distinguished Flying Cross.

He continued his strength and courage for the rest of his life after contracting polio after he returned from his tour of duty. He defied all odds that he would walk again, but he fought to recover and was able to ambulate on his own until the age of 86. After a career refinishing and caning furniture with his father for Yeager's Department Store, he had a successful career in furniture sales at M. O'Neil's/May Co. due to his expertise and charm.

He leaves his beloved daughters, Lynne Rae (Robert) Kresge of Harpswell, Maine; Lee Ann (Richard) Weisenmiller of Akron; devoted and cherished granddaughter, Ramona Lynne (Jack) Marsh; and loving great-grandchildren, Adam Lawrence and Jacob Raymond Marsh of Barberton. Preceded in death by his sister, Lillian Smith, he also leaves sisters-in-law Ruthe' Schlosser and Jean Hudson, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Rockynol Retirement Community at a later date. Burial will be at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Cuyahoga Falls beside his wife, sister, parents, and other family members. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome in his memory to Rockynol Life Foundation Fund, 1150 W. Market St., Akron 44313, where he lived for the past 12 years and was cared for with love, respect, and dignity by the dedicated and loyal staff or to Visiting Nurse Hospice Services. The family also wishes to thank Kim Casey-Rhodes and Dale Foster of Hospice for their dedicated and loyal care and support for the past 18 months. (Billow FALLS Chapel)