Raymond Joseph Riha

Ray is now underway in his heavenly journey joining his parents Ray C & Mary Lou Riha. Ray is survived by his former wife Sandy, and children, Heather (Chris) Wisniewski, Braxton (Katie) Riha, and 2ndLt USMC Caitlin Riha, his fiance Jill Marks, his 6 sisters and brother. Ray recently became a grandpa with the arrival of Wyatt Raymond Riha to Katie and Braxton.

Ray was born in Detroit, Mi, the second of 8 children and raised in a very vibrant neighborhood and environment. After graduating from St Mary’s of Redford High School his wanderlust took hold and he joined the US Coast Guard. After completing his tour of duty where he was based out of our nation’s capital, Ray enrolled in Virginia Tech. He spent several years in Blacksburg, Va, graduating with a BS degree in aeronautical and nuclear engineering. Ray then began his professional career working at Newport News Shipyard, as part of the team dedicated to strengthening our nation. He then moved to the commercial nuclear power industry where he held leadership positions in public utilities in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, before returning to his roots in the Navy shipbuilding at Huntington Ingalls Industries. Along this path he also became a well-respected academic, earning advanced degrees at Florida Institute of Technology and Loyola Marymount University, culminating with a PhD from George Washington University. He was an adjunct faculty member of VCU, Richmond University and Christopher Newport. The family would like to thank the crew from the Aleworks, Riverside Hospice, and many other friends and family members who have shown their support and love during Ray’s illness.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Bucktrout Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.