Raymond E. Fitch

Raymond Fitch - A good man who lived a good life.

Raymond "Ray" Fitch, 78, of Barto, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully in his home on May 23, 2026. Born in Philadelphia PA., graduating in 1965 from George Washington High School's first graduating class.

Ray was an all-star athlete on the first ever Washington High School Eagles Football team and a record setting athlete in both track and shot-put events. Ray was the 1965 Public League Individual Shot-Put Champion at the Meet of Champions at Franklin Field, and was honored at graduation with the John Meehan Outstanding Athlete Trophy. In 2016, Ray was inducted into the George Washington High School Football Hall of Fame.

After High School, he continued competing in the shot-put and weight throw with the Philadelphia Pioneers Track Club. Ray also enjoyed coaching, and sharing his experiences with young and developing athletes. He became a line coach for the Somerton All Stars Semi Pro Football Team and coached the boys' youth travel teams at Upper Perkiomen High School and at Lehigh University.

In 1966, Ray began an apprenticeship as a Sprinkler Fitter in the fire protection industry, becoming a proud and much respected lifelong member of the Sprinkler Fitters Local 692 Union and a recipient of the 60 years of service pin.

In 1974 Ray moved his family to East Greenville, taking up the unique hobby of Sled Dog Racing. As a member of the Pennsylvania Sled Dog Club, he and his family raced his 12 Siberian Husky Sled Dogs throughout the Mid-Atlantic states. During the holidays, Ray would often dress up as Santa Clause, and drive the sled dog team through the neighborhood, handing out presents to children.

Ray also enjoyed hiking and backpacking, spending time on sections of the Appalachian Trail with his daughter and friends through Pennsylvania and New Hampshire.

Ray and his beloved wife Jill, spent their days together building a beautiful home in Barto, riding their horses on the trails in Berks County, exploring the Perkiomen trail on bicycles, and sharing their home with friends and family.

During his life, Ray loved meeting people and making new friends. His work ethic, strong character, and strong moral compass immediately made him likable, making a difference in the lives of the people who knew him. His joy and positivity were contagious, and his willingness to give his time and energy to family and friends was a special gift we will always cherish. Always quick to give you a smile and tell you the latest joke, his kindness and playful spirit will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jill Fitch, daughter Lisa (Derek Hutton) Fitch, son Raymond J. (Rochelle) Fitch, grandson Evan Fitch, Catherine (Pasquale) Olivieri, nieces Cathy Olivieri and Patty Olivieri, stepson Joshua (Deidre Hartley-Jennings) Lamb, step-granddaughter Jillian Lamb, and his horse Red. He was preceded in death by sisters Claire Hallowell and Patricia Gizzie, his mother Bertha Fitch Rabik, stepfather Michael Rabik, nephew Alfred Macerato and his stepson Jon D. Lamb Jr.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Raymond's name to the George Washington High School Football Team, Pennsylvania Sled Dog Club, or Hosensack Grace E. C. Church.

An inurnment will be held privately at the Hosensack E. C. Cemetery.