Ray Mamula, born on June 22nd, 1942 in East Chicago, Indiana to Ray (Sr.) and Mary Mamula, although to Ray it would always be known as The Harbor. He went to East Chicago Washington High School, and later graduated from Indiana State University. Upon graduating, he had what he called his “first and last job interview” with the East Chicago school system, and worked in the school district for more than three decades. He loved baseball, and coached the East Chicago Senators with Jake Arzumanian for more than 13 years in the late 60s and 70s. He was a lifelong member of the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church and community, and spent decades singing with the Bishop Stefan Lastavica choir. Ray was married to Melissa Manojlovich for 17 years and they had two boys, Dane and +Peter. For those who knew him, Ray lit up a room like no one else. And for those who didn’t, he did the same. Ray’s gift was the ability to connect with people regardless of race, religion, or gender. Many would often remark how the hours seemed like minutes in his presence, as he always found deeper connections with friends, family, and strangers alike. Everyone who came into contact with Ray came away understanding his unique wisdom, kindness, and humor—often through his storytelling, as he could do like no other. Though his health declined over the past two decades, he lost none of his conversational ability, and would often have marathon phone conversations with his best friend and Kum, +Ron Divjak, among many, many others. Everyone who talked with Ray, everyone who visited him, everyone who knew him understood that he was one of a kind—a star that shone just a little brighter than the rest. He is survived by his son Dane Mamula (wife Cassandra), and granddaughter Ada Mamula. We will all miss him greatly.
Funeral Service for Ray will take place Friday, May 23, 2025 at the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Schererville at 10:00 A.M. Friends are invited to visit with Ray’s family on Friday at Church from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. At rest, Oak Hill Cemetery Hammond, Indiana
