Raymond Kvochick

Raymond “Ray” Kvochick, 89, of Mansfield, passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Ray was born July 23, 1935, in Mansfield to John and Hazel (Fike) Kvochick. A 1953 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, he also attended Butler High School. On June 9, 1956, he married Patricia Loeckel in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, beginning a devoted 50-year journey of love, faith, and family. Together, they raised six children.

Ray worked at Ohio Brass for twenty-nine years and, alongside Patricia, owned and operated 5 Points Drive-In in Butler from 1988 to 2002. Raised in the city but drawn to the simplicity of rural life, Ray purchased a 40-acre farm in Richland County. There, he tended a herd of cattle and ensured the freezer was always full of beef. The farm became the heart of the family—where his children raised 4-H animals and learned the values of hard work and stewardship. That legacy continues today under the care of his grandson.

He was a founding member of Resurrection Parish and a longtime member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Mansfield. A man of deep faith and service, Ray was also a Charter Member of Knights of Columbus Council 4448.

Ray had a deep appreciation for nature and adventure—whether hunting rabbits and pheasants, fishing, or pontoon boating at Pleasant Hill Lake. He and Patricia were early enthusiasts of what would later be known as Airbnbs, running Rockledge Manor Bed & Breakfast near Possum Run Greenhouse, welcoming guests with warmth and hospitality. He enjoyed camping of all kinds—from primitive sites to travel trailers—visiting spots throughout Ohio and Kentucky, especially Hocking Hills and historic landmarks. These trips became cherished family memories, now affectionately remembered by the kids as “family fun trips.”

Ray had a legendary sweet tooth and a talent for making peanut butter fudge, peanut brittle, cheese fudge, and tomato pie. He loved golf and softball and was an avid Cleveland Indians fan. He was a member of the Richland County Fish and Game Club and was active in the Clear Fork Booster Club. He was known throughout the Bellville/Butler community as the “voice of the valley” announcing football and basketball games for both varsity teams for many years.

Ray’s character was defined by kindness, honesty, and generosity. He lived by the simple but powerful motto: “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” He was a servant-hearted man—trusting, inclusive, and always caring for others.

He is survived by his children: Timothy & Beverly Kvochick of Phoenix, AZ; Michael & Lisa Kvochick of Bellville; Laura (Kvochick) & Dan Gregory of Mansfield; Charles Kvochick of Bellville; Ellen (Kvochick) Walker of Bellville; and Richard & Jennifer Kvochick of Perrysville. He also leaves behind 3 step-children Cheryl Zeigler of Columbus, Pam Zeigler of Mansfield, and Deb Booth of Mansfield; as well as grandchildren Emily (Jeremy) Helmick, Jamie Kvochick (Sheroy Brooks), Teresa Kvochick (James Head), Wendy (Jeff) Schenz, Ron (Alicia) Dillon, Tammy Mayor, John (Debra) Dillon, Dan (Jennifer) Dillon, Andrew (Amy) Kvochick, Jordan Kvochick, Tyler (Emma) Kvochick, Jennifer (Rob) Gibson, Danelle Gregory (Brian Myers), Charles (Jeanette) Kvochick, II, Stacey Fry, R.T. (Kim) Walker, R. Todd (Darla) Walker, Trisha Vaughn, Jacob Kvochick (Ashley), Courtney (Josh) Fowler, Zach Kvochick (Anastasia) , Noah Kvochick (Marie) , and Brooklyn (Caleb) Smith; 46 great-grandchildren; 30 great-great-grandchildren; cousins Marilyn Ferguson and Roland Schindler; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia (Loeckel) Kvochick on January 31, 2007, his second wife Marlene (Brauchler) Zeigler Kvochick, daughter-in-law Fran Kvochick, son-in-law Ronald “Butch” Walker, and siblings Betty, Robert, John, Ruth, Loretta, Jack, and Peggy and infant Joseph.

Family and friends may call Monday, June 30, 2025, from 4–7 pm in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 11 am in St. Peter Catholic Church in Mansfield, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will follow at Prince of Peace Catholic Cemetery on State Route 39.

Donations in honor of Ray may be made to Southern Care Hospice or the Clear Fork Athletic Boosters.

Please visit snyderfuneralhomes.com to leave a message of support to the family or view Ray’s tribute video.