PORT ALLEGANY — Raymond Charles Minich, 72, of Bradford passed away Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after a brief illness.

Born Aug. 18,1953, in Lackawanna, N.Y., he was a son of Herbert V. Minich and Rosalie Freeman Bennett.

Surviving are his daughter, Abby Maria Minich (Michael) Medina of Limestone, N.Y.; three grandsons, Liam Medina, Beau Medina and Shep Medina; a granddaughter, Isla Medina; two brothers, Christopher Minich of Lafayette and Michael Minich of Port Allegany; two sisters, Joann Crants of Port Allegany and Mary Minich of Erie; and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents.

A 1971 graduate of Bradford Central Christian, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1975 and a master’s degree in business from St. Bonaventure. He started his career at McGraw Edison in Olean, N.Y. After a stint in California, he happily returned to the Bradford area and worked at Dresser Industries in Bradford until 2009. He then finished up his career in Olean at Total Piping Solutions Inc. as chief design engineering consultant from Sept. 27, 2009, until his retirement in March 2020.

He is named on 18 patents in the U.S. and Canada for innovative potable water works system tapping and repair products. These included a wide range hot tapping sleeve, line stop tapping sleeve, and a wide range pipe repair clamp. These products have superior performance while allowing for ease of assembly for the installer. Ray was an expert mechanical design engineer with a solid understanding of pressure vessel design and product development and testing. He also assisted with manufacturing improvements. He designed two automated gasket press machines that drastically improved product quality and assembly efficiency in the manufacturing operation.

When not working, he enjoyed tinkering with electronics and playing the steel guitar. He could often be found enjoying a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper at McDonald’s. He had a special place in his heart for the old classic country music including George Jones and Faron Young.

Arrangements are under direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, 77 Willow St. Online condolences may be expressed at olneyfoust.com.