Raymond J. Buggey, 85, of Indiana, died Monday, April 23, 2018 Indiana Regional Medical Center, surrounded by family. Born in Chambersville, April 28, 1932, he was a son of the late William Buggey and Evelyn (Barnes) Buggey. He was the husband of Josephine (Santus) Buggey, whom he married November 7, 1953. They were married for 64 years and raised six children.
Ray attended Indiana High School. He was a Corporal in the US Army serving in the Airborne Infantry during the Korean War. He was a member of the Prop Blasters Club. Ray was also a life member of the Indiana VFW, Post 1989 and the Indiana American Legion Post 141.
Many residents in the Indiana area will remember Ray as the owner and operator of Buggey’s Exxon at the corner of 5th and Philadelphia Streets. For years Ray would fill your gas tank, check your fluids and wash your windshield before wishing you a “Good Day”. He was also known to be a reliable auto mechanic who fixed and repaired many vehicles at his garage.
He was a former semi-pro and professional boxer. He won the New York Golden Glove State Championship in 1954. As a professional boxer, he went by the name of, Young Terry McGovern. Locally, Ray enjoyed playing softball. He sponsored numerous local sports programs and events.
He was a longtime member of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Roman Catholic Church.
In addition to his wife, Josephine, Ray is survived by his children: Karl R. Buggey (Donna), Indiana; Evelyn Birbilas (Leo), Denver, CO; William Buggey, Columbus, OH; Brian Buggey (Lisa), Indiana; Fred Buggey, Indiana; and Gerard Buggey, Indiana. Other Family survivors include his nine grandchildren: Richard Birbilas, Alina Bankal, Lea Birbilas, Karlene Gutierrez, Theresa Jernigan, Ian Buggey, Brean Buffungton, Brittany Buggey and Raymond Buggey. He is survived by nineteen great grandchildren, two siblings: Robert “Terry” Buggey, Blairsville and Barbara Holt (Richard), Meadville and by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Ray was preceded in death by: his parents; brother, John Buggey; sister, Patricia Vitalie; an infant brother, Ronald and an infant great grandson, Skyler Jernigan.
Friends will be received Thursday, April 26th from 2 – 4 and 6 to 8 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday morning at ten o’clock at St. Bernard Church. Burial with military honors will be made in St. Bernard Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate or by mail to Wounded Warrior Project, 301 Grant Street, Suite 900, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Online condolences may be offered by visiting rbfh.net .
