Paul S Ray

Paul S. Ray, D.O., 79, loving father, husband, brother, grandfather, mentor, and friend peacefully journeyed on to his new life on February 29, 2024. He is survived by his loving family— his wife Reena; sister Susan; daughter Missy (Jason) Huston; son Paul (Melody); grandchildren Ariel, Landon, Penny, Foxen, and Olive; and loyal labradoodle Luna. Paul was preceded in death by his brother Peter, and by his parents Paul and Mary. 

A devoted teacher, Paul initially taught mathematics. He found his true calling later after discovering medicine. He was the first D.O. physician in the U.S. to be accepted into his urology residency program at that time; he helped forge mutual respect which exists between osteopathic and allopathic physicians today. 

Chairman of Urology at Cook County Hospital for several decades, Paul was a prolific researcher and writer with a total of 81 journal publications, 91 abstracts, and 10 chapters in books on prostate urologic emergencies. He also gave 130 presentations on infections, prostate diseases, and erectile dysfunction. Paul developed the innovative Ray and Lee-Ray prosthetic aspiration, biopsy needle. 

Paul was a respected mentor who loved his residents. He recognized the unique strengths of each and helped them to develop their gifts to their fullest. When Paul started and developed a new Urology Residency at Cook County Hospital, he attracted the best of the best, and their excellent work continues across the country.  After retiring in 2008, Paul continued teaching urology surgery at Midwestern University from 2001 until recently becoming ill from liver cancer.

Paul was always full of energy! He loved being outdoors: gardening, skiing, listening to concerts in the park, and zipping through the neighborhood on his scooter with Luna at a gallop even when his body became increasingly weak.  Paul was insatiably curious and a lifelong learner. He had a wide range of interests including quantum physics, history and politics, religion, philosophy, and the stock market. In the kitchen, his homemade specialties were hot and sour soup, baked beans, and his mom’s irresistible spaghetti meat sauce.  He was passionate about classical music, Fox News, the ribeye and chopped salad at Gibsons, freshly picked corn, dry martinis with blue cheese olives, root beer shakes, sailboats, motorcycles, and his family — past and present. 

His charm, quick wit, earthy sense of humor, world knowledge, zest for life, courageous introspection, forgiving spirit, and endless pursuit of love endeared him to many. He is dearly missed.

A visitation will be held on Saturday March 16 from 10am until 12pm at Adolf & Powell Funeral Home, 7000 S Madison St, Willowbrook, IL 60527. 

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