Curtis “Ray” New

When Curtis “Ray” New was born on July 23, 1926, in Somerset, Kentucky, his father, Marion, was 45 and his mother, Mary “Mollie”, was 43. He was a big surprise! He had three older siblings, Clarence New (1903-1974), Everett New (1904-1998), Clyda (New) Shaffer (1912-2004). The family moved to New Castle, Indiana, prior to the Great Depression. On June 23, 1944, Ray enlisted in the Navy during WWII and served on the USS Oklahoma City, a light cruiser, during the Asiatic Pacific Theater. He was in Japan following Japan’s surrender to Allied Forces in August 1945. Ray married the love of his life, Bonnie Jean Cole, on December 4, 1948, in New Castle, Indiana. They had two daughters, Karen Elaine (New) Penticuff and Rebecca Jean (New) Lipe. Ray received the honorable Carnegie Medal from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission in 1977, which recognizes people who perform extraordinary acts of heroism in civilian life. He was awarded the medal after rescuing a family out of their burning home in Nov. 1976. He worked at Delco Remy in Anderson as a tool/die-maker until he retired in 1988. Ray was also instrumental in helping his daughter, Karen, set up her company, Senior Shopping Service, Inc., by utilizing his ingenious design to create and build portable racks and carts to enhance the business’ mobile shopping experience. Throughout his life, Ray enjoyed many adventures. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and would take annual trips, even as far away as Nova Scotia. He loved to travel with his wife throughout the U.S. in their motorhome with their dog, Benji. On his 60thbirthday, he learned to slalom water-ski! He was a very healthy, active man who ran 2 miles a day until he was 75. In 2014, Ray’s daughter, Becky, arranged and accompanied Ray, as an honored WWII Vet on the Indy Honor Flight. This organization honors Indiana’s veterans for their service, and transports them to see their WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. Upon returning to the Indy, the veterans were treated to a hero’s welcome! In 2016, Ray had a very memorable 90th birthday party where friends and loved ones from all over the U.S. came to celebrate him and his life! Sweet memories! He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wife, and grandson, Caleb John Tyler Lipe. He passed away on Tuesday evening, January 9, 2018, after being in the hospital with kidney failure, passing peacefully in his sleep. He was 91 years old. He is survived by his first daughter, Karen Penticuff and her husband, Randy Penticuff; and his second daughter, Rebecca Lipe and her husband, John Lipe. He also leaves behind his grandson, Brandon Penticuff and his wife, Sarah Penticuff; and a great grandson, Jordan “Ray” Penticuff. Also surviving are several beloved nieces and nephews. He was the very best of role models! He was generous, loving, hard-working, and always told his family he’s “lived a wonderful life”. There will be a private ceremony for his family, and he will be laid to rest alongside his wife in the family mausoleum at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. The family wishes to give special thanks to Janet Tomlinson Oaks for enriching the last few months of his life with her care. Also, they would like to thank Dr. Armand V. Gallanosa and staff for the exceptional support in Ray’s longevity. Special thanks to Brandon Aiman, PA, for his sincere care. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the Salvation Army in Ray’s name. The Salvation Army made a huge impression on him in his life.