Raymond J. Harms
January 26, 1946 - March 27, 2020
Raymond J. Harms, age 74, of Middletown, DE, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2020 surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Newark, NJ on January 26, 1946, he was the son of the late Joseph and Evelyn (Higgenbothem) Harms. Raymond worked as an independent contractor as well as the owner and operator of Arnold Bread. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing poker and billiards with his many friends. An avid football fan, Raymond could often be found cheering on his beloved New York Giants. He was lovingly known as “Pop-Pop” to everyone who knew him. Raymond will always be remembered as a devoted family man and deeply adored by his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Harms. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sandra L. (Miller) Harms; children, John Harms (Karen) of Perry Hall, MD and Benjamin Harms (Heather) of Middletown; grandchildren, Cheyanne, Sierra, Samantha, Jeffery, Gavin and Maximus; 5 great grandchildren; sister, Karen Hess (Allen); nephew, Vinny Hess; and daughter-in-law, Stacy Harms of Florida
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Raymond’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 92 Read’s Way, Suite 205, New Castle, DE 19720.
Abe conk
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Mr Harms was a very kind person me when I was a young man . He always treated everyone like family when we were over the house as kids.
Henry Pistilli
Rest in peace Ray Ray
Michael Fischel
Ray, I only knew you for a short time as we were late to move to SMF. I always looked forward to the poker nights that we both attended and I enjoyed your companionship and humor during the games. I will miss you and wish the best for your family who were so fortunate to have your love and support. RIP Ray!
Kenneth Dotto
I remember the time he was playing cards and was bluffing but ended up bluffing him self. Ray loved to wear wild hats at parties especially the 4th of July. He was a kind and gentle. He will be missed Rest in peace my friend
Rich and Ann Pooley
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lydia Chemij & Guy Lombardo
Sandy,
In these hard times of social distancing & not connecting with each other, our DEEPEST SYMPATHIES go out to you & your family. There are no words to tell you how sorry we are, please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers.
Guy & Lydia
Shirley Lowe
I am so sorry to hear of your loss
Dan and Edie Margolis
Dear Sandy and Family,
We feel blessed to have known Ray for the past 6 years for our weekly Domino Games. Ray earned the distinction of the only member of our group to reach the “700 Club”. He made Domino holders for several members of the group but his read “Ray, it is your turn” since we always knew if there was a lag in the game it was Ray’s turn. Ray also used his CNC Router to make new Dental Molding for our home in Lancaster. Every time we look at the front of our home we will remember Ray with much fondness. It has been great to meet Ray’s family over the years and are in awe of the love that he is showered with. Ray and Sandy have always been there for each other and know that Sandy will be blessed with the support of her family and friends. Once the Virus Isolation is over we will be the first in line to give Sandy a hug. We send our love to the family and again are so glad to have called Ray a good friend. Love, Edie and Dan Margolis
Ernie Papadopoulos
Sleep in Eternal Peace Ray.You will be missed by many in the community.Fond memories of bowling.. bingo ..and poker games
Rick Read
Sandy, Please accept our sincere condolences. It was a pleasure to have known and worked with Ray since we first moved to Silver Maples. What Silver Maples is today can be attributed to Ray’s hard work in the beginning stages of our development.
Rick & ML
Mark and Robin Kresel
So so sorry for your loss. Ray was a great guy.
Ray and Sue Bachmann
Growing up in Laurence Harbor and not seeing Ray for 50 years and then to be backdoor neighbors in SMF was just fate. Sandy n Ray helped define fun at SMF. Food and fun was always around when we gathered together. Of course he had to have a hat for every occasion Laughter and love surrounded him and will keep him in our memory.
Karen Hess
I will miss you dearly till we meet again my best friend my brother Rip you always took care of me 💘 your sister Karen
Glennis & Aaron Kaplansky
Sandy and family we are so sorry for your loss. Ray was always upbeat, loved life and was always fun to be around. We will always remember the parties where he wore his patriotic red, white and blue Uncle Sam hat and served frozen drinks. He was always there to pitch in, even if he wasn’t feeling 100%.
We wish you our sincerest condolences during this difficult time.
William Truax
I’ve only known Ray for a short time as a neighbor but outward friendliness and energy was contagious I know he will missed by many My blessings to his family for their loss
Bud & Alice Scott
Our deepest sympathy to the Harms family. We were members of the Silver Maple Bowling League in yrs passed and enjoyed bowling with Ray.
Vincent Hess
I know my Uncle Ray will be deeply missed by all who knew him. so many great memories with the best family I am so grateful to have grown up with he made us all laugh every single day sometimes so hard it still puts a smile on my face today 30 years later rest in peace Uncle Ray I love you your nephew vinnie……………………………………….!
Ron Carney
Dear Sandy and Family, I will truly miss Ray. He was like a brother (I think we were blood brothers, weren’t we?) to me growing up in the “Harbor”. I’ll always remember the good times we had scouting, camping, hiking, warm days at either Cheesequake State Park or the Harbor beach. Although we had lost contact for a number of years, I’m so glad we were able to hook up again, if even for a short time.
Oh, and by the way: if there are any casinos up in heaven – please save some money for the rest of us?
Ginny Carney
Sandy & Family
The first time I met Ray was the day after I met my future husband. Ron and Ray took a ride to my house just to make sure Ron knew how find my house for our first date. I was shocked but please to see them. Seems that Ron and Ray were always together. Soon after I met Sandy and then we spent many happy times together. Ray was our best man at our wedding 52 years ago and Ron was Ray’s best man at their wedding 53 years ago. We lost contact for many years but I found out they left NJ and moved to DE. I searched the internet and I found their phone number. We had a great reunion and we’ve had many great times with them since. The last time I saw Ray a few weeks before he past, he hugged me, I’ll never forget that. Love you Ray.
Kathy Walker
My thoughts and prayers are with Ray’s wife and Family at this time. Enjoyed bowling with Ray on the Silver Maple Farmd League. He will be deeply missed.
Linda Heinold
My heart is full of sorrow. The lord had gained a wonderful man. Sending prayer to All.
ILENE PISTILL PISTILLI
There are no words I can say to begin to tell you how much I will miss Ray-Ray. We were all together so much I got dubbed his second wife. Always sunny and quick witted, he was a true blessing to have as a friend. He had so many wonderful traits, the one that impressed me the most was his unwavering loyalty for his family and friends. His deep love and devotion for Sandy was evident every single day in gestures, looks and continual smiles.
Ray had a very generous nature. He appeared very easy going, yet under the layers he was as smart as a whip! You left us way too soon my dear friend but I will keep you alive in all the memories we shared and perhaps someday ….
Mary Beth Haq
I met Raymond at the Whistlestop where he had a beautiful booth of antiques and collectibles. He would always come in with his lovely wife. He was always so friendly to us. He obviously loved his wife a lot and had family supporting him in this endeavor. He will be missed.