WILMINGTON — It is with great sadness that the family of Ray Wittorp announces his passing after fighting cancer the past year. Ray passed away peacefully at Lower Cape Fear Hospice in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Ray was born in Chicago, IL, on March 9, 1944, to Charles August Wittorp and Marie Madeline Wittorp. He grew up in Chicago and was the youngest of 10 siblings. He is survived by his loving sister, Minnie Molet.
In 1970, Ray moved to Sister Lakes, Michigan, where he became an infamous water skier on Magician Lake, found success in the business of manufacturing, and had his first child and daughter, Cara. He later built a family with his wife, Anne, and they moved to South Bend, IN. They would go on to raise three boys and run a business, Wittorp Manufacturing, in Indiana and Southwest Michigan. They later moved the family to Wilmington, North Carolina, where Ray eventually retired. In their new home, Ray enjoyed the beach, the gym, and a retirement surrounded by a loving extended family.
Ray is remembered by his loving wife, Anne; his four children, Cara (and her husband Mark), August, Michael (and his wife Kelly), and Christian. He was a proud grandpa, also known as “poppop”, to Bryson, Brock, Riley, Teresa, and Mary. He was also loved by many nieces and nephews.
If you were to ask Ray, he would want to be forever young in our hearts. An avid runner and skier for most of his life, he would happily share his many adventures and accomplishments, including running 22 marathons. He lived a fulfilling life of hard work, exercise, and adventure, always surrounded by a loving family.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church at 12 pm on Friday, December 6th.
In lieu of flowers, please help with medical and funeral expenses here.
