Obituaries

Raymond P. “Ray” Reiland, age 79, of Florence, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at home on April 21, 2026. He was born on March 29, 1947, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Norman and Ruth Reiland (née Shang).

Ray dedicated 42 years of his career as an airline mechanic, working for National Airlines, Pan Am, and retiring from Delta Air Lines. He was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan and was known for his great sense of humor, which brought joy to those around him. Above all, Ray deeply loved his family—especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who meant the world to him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Sherry Reiland (née Connolly); his daughters, Jane (Ken) Clair, Ruth (Chris) Merkle, and Rene Barnett; his grandchildren, Cherie (Brandan) Thomas, Kelly Merkle, Ray Merkle, Grace (Joey) Canada, Polly “Charlie” Barnett, and Bella Clair; his great-grandchildren, Lilly Thomas and Bailey Wells; and his cherished cat, Lulu the calico, who had a special bond with Ray.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 30, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Linnemann Funeral Homes in Erlanger, Kentucky. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s of the Assumption in Alexandria, Kentucky, with military funeral honors to follow.