Raymond T. Baran, age 94, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, and formerly of Niles, Illinois, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2023 with his family by his side.  He was born on March 23, 1929 at home in Chicago, Illinois, to Charles and Regina (nee Gordon) Baranowski.  Ray loved and was deeply loved by many people.  He would often say "life is good," and he had many other funny sayings that will be fondly remembered.  Ray grew up in Chicago with his three brothers and two sisters.  He graduated from Lane Tech High School.  He followed in his father's and brothers' footsteps by working for R. R. Donnelley Printing Company as a Printer for over 40 years.  Ray loved tinkering in his garage and he could repair any old machines.  He loved teaching (as well as directing) others how to fix things.  He had many hobbies: building and flying model airplanes, woodworking, sailing, water skiing, playing chess, golfing, playing guitar and the keyboard, painting, wood carving, playing cards (especially Swoop) and so much more.  He was proud of the countless people he taught how to water ski at Lake Delavan, WI.  He loved spending his summers in Wisconsin by the lake and his winters in Arizona by the pool when he retired.  Ray is survived by many people who loved him dearly.  Ray is survived by his wife, Rose Bell; his daughter, Marylou (Mark) Manzo, his son, William (Colleen) Fritsch; his grandchildren, Melissa (Jeff) Shasteen, Joseph (Emily) Manzo, Jenny (Scott) Freed, Amy (Matt) Lester, Shaula (Rob) Halberg; his great-grandchildren, Delainey, Sloane and Jack Shasteen, Maren Manzo, Maggie and Bennett Freed, Carter, Finn and Will Lester, Julia and Maddy Halberg; his brother George Baranowski, his sister Grace Sabres, and many nieces and nephews and friends.  He was honored to be "Mr. Ray" to Rose's children, David (Karen) Bell, Roger (Linda) Bell, Jan (Greg) Minogue; grandchildren Mallory (Luke) Sesler, Lindsey (Tim) Mucha, Ericka Bell, Michael (Tara) Minogue, Nick Minogue and Danielle Minogue; and great-grandchildren, Lylah Foley, Adriane and Avalee Sesler, Lucy and Finley Mucha and Zack David Minogue. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Regina Baranowski; his wife, Shirley of 52 years; his brothers, Charles Baranowski and Paul Baranowski; his sister, Regina Okajewicz; Rose's son, David Bell and Rose's granddaughter, Ericka Bell.  Visitation Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at the Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL. from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Funeral Thursday December 21, 2023 at 10:15 am to St. John Brebeuf Church for an 11:00 am Mass. Interment at Maryhill Cemetery. Luncheon to follow at Lone Tree Manor in Niles, IL. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity or one of Ray's many favorites: St Jude's Children Hospital, VFW, Mercy Home, Wounded Warrior project, Salesian Missions, Disabled American Veterans, St Labre Indian School, American Lung Association, Salvation Army.  For more info call 847-966-7302