Raymond M. Labuzinski

Raymond (Ray) M. Labuzinski died peacefully on July 31, 2023. His life began on October 21, 1937, when he was born to Joseph and Eugenia Labuzinski in Toledo, Ohio. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1955 and then enlisted in the US Air National Guard.

He proudly worked at Tiedke’s out of high school before being employed full time at Ohio Bell, later known as Ameritech and AT&T, until he retired in 1995 after 37 years.

Above all, Ray was a kind and gentle man who made time for anyone and treated everyone as his friend. He also was a “fixer” who never encountered a gadget, device, or appliance he couldn’t repair or repurpose to his own delight and to the amazement of his family.

Also known as “Turbo Ray,” he was self-taught in mechanical principles, working on engine repair and automatic transmission service professionally and as a hobby beginning in the 1950s. This included the original GM Hydramatic, Ford and Chrysler models. He also developed a regional reputation as a master level expert in high performance and modifications for National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) drag racing and Monster Truck off-road applications. Beginning in 1958, he attended the NHRA US Nationals as a participant or spectator for 63 consecutive years, including as a spectator for 43 of those years with his nephew, Nicholas G. Espinoza.

Ray’s drag racing achievements included winning his class in NHRA Stock racing in 1960 at the US Nationals with his 1955 Oldsmobile Rocket 88. In the local racing community, Ray developed many special friendships, including Tom and Ruth Kasch, Zach, Tim, Bobby, Lester, Ace, Bill I., and Dick T.

Ray mentored many young people over his lifetime in the science of automotive principles and automatic transmission modification and repair. He freely offered education in his driveway to anyone who cared to show interest. In spite of his usual back log of “jobs,” he never hesitated to take a break from his “wrenching” to talk in a fully engaged conversation. If you were to visit his home, you would ALWAYS be welcomed, and the driveway was his classroom.

Ray was preceded by his beloved wife, Constance Labuzinski; parents, Joseph and Eugenia Labuzinski; and brother, Joseph Labuzinski. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Joseph Michael Labuzinski and Randall James Labuzinski; sisters-in-law, Lori Gasser and Joyce Labuzinski; and chosen daughter, Roni Thielen.

A Funeral Mass will be held at a later date. Please contact family members privately for details.