Raymond Joseph Hrabec

April 10, 1949 – October 22, 2026

Raymond Hrabec lived life with enthusiasm, style, a generous helping of humor, and an extraordinary appreciation for friendship. Whether he was entertaining friends, cheering on his beloved Maryland Terrapins, playing a round of golf, or holding court with a story that may—or may not—have been entirely true, Ray had a remarkable ability to make life more interesting and certainly more entertaining for everyone around him.

Born in Elkton, Maryland, on April 10, 1949, Ray was the son of Michael and Mary Wasylczuk Hrabec. Proud of his Ukrainian heritage, he grew up at the family's home on the Elk River near the Chesapeake Bay, where boating, fishing, and time on the water were an important part of his childhood.

Ray attended Sanford School in Hockessin, Delaware, where he distinguished himself academically, athletically, musically, and socially—and, perhaps most importantly, formed friendships that would last a lifetime. Having begun studying the trumpet at age five, he played in the school band, earned a place in the All-State Band, and was selected for an American student band that toured Europe, performing at distinguished venues, including La Scala. He also participated in baseball, football, and fencing, and served as student body president during his senior year. In a fitting early tribute to his sense of humor, his classmates voted him “Most Likely to Almost Succeed.” He would later be inducted into Sanford's Hall of Fame.

Ray graduated from the University of Maryland in 1971. During his college summers, he played trumpet with soul bands in the Washington, D.C., area, adding another chapter to his lifelong love of music.

His years at Maryland also gave rise to a collection of legendary athletic accomplishments—at least according to Ray. Among them were an NCAA record for the most kickoff returns with the fewest yards gained and a bronze medal in fencing at the 1972 Munich Olympics. The origins of these remarkable achievements remain somewhat mysterious, although those who knew Ray suspect he may have had a hand in their creation.

What was never in doubt was Ray's devotion to the Maryland Terrapins. A longtime member of the Terrapin Club and a football and basketball season ticket holder for more than 50 years, he remained loyal through winning seasons and those that required considerably more optimism. His legendary football tailgates, shared with a close circle of friends, were occasions in themselves. Gourmet grilling, fine wines and spirits, crystal stemware, and wonderful camaraderie elevated the traditional parking-lot gathering into something approaching fine dining. For Ray, the company was every bit as important as the game.

Following college, Ray began a distinguished 55-year career in mortgage banking. His experience encompassed loan origination, interest-rate hedging, loan sales, servicing, and company operations. He was a part owner of two mortgage companies and was active in the Mortgage Bankers Association of Metropolitan Washington and the Mortgage Bankers Association of America. His professional life brought both accomplishment and friendships that extended well beyond business.

For the last 17 years of his life, Ray shared an extraordinary marriage with his wife, Anne, who was not only his partner but also his best friend. They worked side by side every day, played golf together, shared a love of cooking, and found enormous pleasure in simply being together. Their lives were intertwined in the very best way, with work, friendship, laughter, and shared interests all part of the same happy partnership. Perhaps most remarkable was that neither ever took the other for granted. Throughout their marriage, Ray and Anne often expressed how fortunate they felt to have found one another and how grateful they were to share their lives. It was a marriage built on friendship, mutual admiration, and the simple joy of being together.

Ray was the proud father of Justin and Rebecca, his children from his first marriage to Paula Wolbler, and a devoted grandfather to Finlay, Eli, and Finley. He took great pleasure in being involved in his children’s lives and activities, rarely missing their sporting events. Family was an enduring source of pride and happiness.

Golf was another of Ray's great passions. A talented player who achieved a lowest handicap of 13.7, he enjoyed not only the competition but also the friendships and traditions that surrounded the game. He made two holes-in-one at Washington Golf and Country Club, including one while playing with his son Justin. He joined Washington Golf and Country Club in 1981, serving on its Board of Directors and as chairman of the House Committee. His enthusiasm for introducing new programs earned him the affectionate title of “The Commissioner.”

It was also at Washington Golf and Country Club that another of Ray's colorful legends took hold. Known to some as the “Bard of the Ukraine,” he was rumored to be descended from Ukrainian royalty. As with his Olympic medal, Ray apparently saw little reason to discourage a good story.

Ray was also a member of Savannah Golf Club and Chechessee Creek Club in Okatie, South Carolina, where he continued to enjoy the game and the friendships it inspired.

Ray possessed a wonderful sense of humor, a quick wit, and an unmistakable flair for fashion. His wardrobe, featuring memorable retro jackets, colorful slacks, and unexpected combinations, earned him the affectionate description of a “fashion peacock.” He wore it all with confidence and delight. One of his favorite observations was that men wanted to be like him and women wanted to be with him. Delivered with Ray's characteristic charm, it was difficult not to laugh.

Yet beneath the humor, colorful stories, and larger-than-life personality was a man who placed enormous value on friendship. From his Sanford classmates and Maryland companions to his professional colleagues and golfing friends, Ray made a point of keeping in touch. He understood that friendships, like the best things in life, deserved attention, celebration, and a little effort.

Ray leaves behind a lifetime of friendships, countless wonderful stories, and a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and love. Above all, he understood that life's greatest pleasures were not found in accomplishments or possessions, but in the people with whom we share them. For 17 years, he and Anne had the extraordinary good fortune to share those pleasures together.

Ray is survived by his wife, Virginia Anne Tyree; his brother, Paul Hrabec of Elkton, Maryland; his daughter, Rebecca Hrabec, son-in-law Teddy Schwab, and grandson Finley of Charlotte, North Carolina; and his son, Justin Hrabec, daughter-in-law Fiona, and grandsons Finlay and Eli of Lisbon, Portugal.

A viewing and family visitation will be held Friday, November 6, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Services, 510 Stephenson Avenue, Savannah, Georgia. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, November 7, 2026, 2:00 pm at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1003 E. Victory Drive, Savannah, Georgia. In celebration of Ray’s life, we encourage everyone to wear vibrant, joyful colors as we come together to honor his memory and celebrate the life he lived. Let’s fill the day with color, love, and beautiful memories as we pay tribute to Ray. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Sanford School in Hockessin, Delaware, Blessed Sacrament Savannah Georgia, Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church Savannah GA, Collierstown Presbyterian Gravesite Funds Lexington Virginia, Saint Agnes Catholic Church Arlington Virginia.