Dr. Raymond Najem

CANFIELD — Dr. Raymond “Ray” Wade Najem, 87, passed away Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, peacefully and with his family at his side.

Ray was born Feb. 28, 1937, to Dr. Wade John Najem and Mrs. Anne Salem Najem of Sharon, Pa. 

He enjoyed academics and loved learning. After graduating from Hubbard High School as class president in 1955, Ray remained active organizing class reunions and other alumni events. Ray attended Western Reserve University, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1959. While at Western Reserve University, he served as class treasurer, was a member of the marching band, Delta Tau Delta fraternity, Kappa Psi honorary fraternity and president of the choir. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Western Reserve University. 

Ray enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War, rising to the rank of captain as a prosthetic officer. Ray then earned his Master of Science degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry Division of Orthodontics in 1968.

Ray practiced orthodontics in Canfield for more than 50 years. He was a meticulous practitioner and known for his attention to detail. He was a member of the American Dental Association, Corydon Palmer Dental Society and the American Association of Orthodontists.

Ray was a lifelong learner as is evidenced by his many hobbies. An avid music lover, Ray played the trumpet and piano. He introduced his children to every genre of music from the harpsichord, to Neil Diamond, to the Beatles. An accomplished golfer, Ray enjoyed playing golf at Tippecanoe Country Club and The Club at The Strand in Florida. Ray often played contract bridge with international players.

Ray loved photography and videography with his family as his favorite subjects. An outdoors enthusiast, Ray belonged to Ducks Unlimited and Trout Unlimited and was an avid hunter and skilled marksman. One of his greatest loves was fly fishing, which he pursued with a passion. Ray enjoyed building and flying RC planes and participated in multiple clubs. Perhaps his most impressive achievement was attaining his private pilot license in his 50s and becoming an instrument-rated pilot. Ray passed many of these passions on to his children and grandchildren.

Ray married his beloved wife, Mary Jo DePaul Najem in 1959. Together they raised six children, Wade (Lisa Lehky), David (Shannon May), Lisa Flanagan (Robert), Juliet Lewis Tritsis (Christopher), William (Kathryn East) and Raymond Jr. (Tonya Mestemaker). He was adored by his 17 grandchildren, Courtney Lewis, Natalie Flanagan, Noah Flanagan, Alexander Flanagan, Peter Zimmers, Jonathan Najem, Annabel Tritsis, Alexandra Najem, Henry Najem, Erin East, Viktoria Najem, Beckham Najem, Michael Tritsis, Joseph Najem, David Najem Jr., Raymond Najem lll and Samuel Najem. In addition to Mary Jo and his children, Ray leaves behind his cousin, Emil Saloon; dear sister, Alice Yarabinec; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and a very special person, his best friend, Joe Joseph.

The family will hold a celebration of life in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in honor of Ray to St. Maron Church, 1555 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown, OH 44511. 

Professional arrangements were handled by the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.