By Karen Haave
Raymond D. Lynch makes turning 100 look easy. The secret to reaching centenarian status, he says, is simple: “I always looked forward to the next 100 years!”
But according to a family member, “He loves McDonald’s cheeseburgers and chocolate shakes. He must consider them health foods, since they’ve helped him make it to 100!”
Born on March 7, 1923, in Chicago, to Ellen (Duffin) and John Lynch, he is one of five siblings. He and his sister Jean Oziemkowski, 94, survive. Brothers Jack and Willliam Lynch and sister Carol Billich have passed away.
A U.S.military veteran, he served in the Armed Forces infantry for 2.5 years in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany, and was awarded a Purple Heart after being shot and injured during combat. In addition, he received the Bronze Star for heroism in ground combat, as well as the Combat Infantry Badge.
After his military service, he worked as an electrotyper at Donnelly and Sons in Chicago and later in the Cook County Recorder of Deeds office.
He is the father of 13 children: Maureen (Lynch) Granat of Dollar Bay, Michigan; Daniel of Seattle, Washington; Eileen (Lynch) Smith of Naperville; the late Kevin Lynch of Plainfield; Peggy Lynch of Jacksonville, Florida; Timothy Lynch of Campton Hills; Kathryn (Lynch) Lelo of Homer Glen; the late William Lynch of Chesterton, Indiana; Patricia (Lynch) Legaspi of Naperville: the late Michael Lynch of Benson, Arizona; Thomas Lynch of Glenview; Joseph of New Lenox; and David Lynch of Carol Stream.
He is the grandfather of 31, great-grandfather of 33, and great-great-grandfather of one.
His first wife, Grace R. Lynch, passed away in 1996. He has been married to Eileen Carroll-Lynch since 1999.
His daughter, Eileen Smith, said he is known for “his love of family, wonderful sense of humor, amazing recall of events, dates, and names dating back to his childhood, innate ability to personably interact with others, youthful attitude, very strong desire to recover from previous strokes, is a lover of crossword puzzles, (with a) strong work ethic.”
Other family members and friends praised his “kind heart” and ability to “make everyone feel so special.”
His sister, Jean, said, “He is a wonderful big brother. He always took care of me.”
Another family member noted, “Anyone who has had the privilege of knowing Mr. Lynch has been blessed. He is a gentle soul and exemplifies a humble spirit of perseverance for how to handle life’s challenges. He demonstrates a heart of gratefulness to others. He values and embraces the love from his family, and his sense of humor is always refreshing! Happy 100th, Mr. Lynch!”
And one of his grandchildren added, “How blessed we are to have Grandpa Ray in our lives. He has a unique gift of always making you feel like the most important person in the room. The idea of turning 100 is magical, very much like our grandfather, Ray Lynch.”
Two celebrations in his honor are planned this month at Manteno American Legion and at the Illinois Veterans Home. Both will be private, family members said, because of COVID-19 concerns. Those who who would like to send him cards and good wishes may do so, addressed to him at Illinois Veterans’ Home, 1 Veterans’ Drive – 3 East, Manteno, IL 60950 .
