Raymond Dobelstein

Raymond A. Dobelstein (Ray) of Concord died after a brief illness on December 24, 2009. A Memorial Service will be conducted Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 4:00 pm at Calvary Lutheran Church, 950 Bradley St., Concord, by the Rev. Bill Milholland and the Rev. Dr. John E. Boyd, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Lutheran Men in Mission of Calvary Lutheran Church. Visitation will be prior to the service, from 2:30 to 3:30, in the church parlor. Burial will be at Park Cemetery in Bridgeport, CT, at a later date.

Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on April 25, 1925, the son of the late Edward and Bertha Pekrul Dobelstein, Ray was preceded in death by his first wife, Mildred Giannini Dobelstein, and his brothers, Robert E. and Dr. Russell H. Dobelstein. He is survived by his present wife of 39 years, Grace Kee Dobelstein, two sons, Raymond F. and Ross E., a stepson, Richard G. Tedeschi, a stepdaughter, Linda Nelson Staats, and sister, Dorothy Schweitzer. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ray served honorably in the US Navy in WWII in the South Pacific aboard the Destroyer Escort USS Elden where he earned eight battle stars. Later he was a member of the NC Post 51 American Legion. He was a District Sales Manager for Champion Spark Plug Company for 25 years prior to his retirement.

Ray was a very active member of Calvary Lutheran Church where he served in the Chancel Choir, Sunday School, Church Council, Property and Evangelism committees. He was a loyal member of the Friday Morning Prayer Group and an officer and Lifetime Member of the Lutheran Men in Mission. He was also an officer and member of the Charlotte Woodworkers Association. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity and Adopt A Highway programs.

Memorials may be made to the Calvary Lutheran Church Music Fund, 950 Bradley St., Concord, NC 28025, or a charity of your choice.