Dr. Ray Naar
NAAR: Dr. Ray Naar died peacefully at home in the midst of his beloved family on Feb. 2, 2023. He was born in 1927 in the city of Salonika, Greece, to Lily and Isaac Naar. He had a younger brother, Jacque Naar. During World War II Ray and his family were taken by the Nazis to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. His immediate family all survived and immigrated to America. Ray then enlisted in the U.S. Army and returned to Europe, where he served as a translator in the Judge Advocate’s office, helping negotiate for the return of American solders detained for accusations of breaking local laws while stationed abroad. While in France, he met the love of his life, Claudine, and they married a year later. He rose to the rank of captain and later served in the U.S. Army Reserves. On returning to the U.S., Ray completed his bachelor’s degree at William and Mary College in Richmond, Virginia, and then his doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. He became the co-director of outpatient psychiatric services at Saint Francis Medical Center and was one of the first licensed psychologists in private practice in Pittsburgh. As a much-loved teacher, Ray created transformative experiences for his students. He taught undergraduate and graduate students at Carlow University, Chatham University and the University of Pittsburgh, as well as medical students at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Ray was also a gifted writer and speaker, contributing many articles and editorial pieces to professional journals as well as publishing three books. He was a frequent presenter for the Greater Pittsburgh Psychological Association (GPPA) and the Pennsylvania Psychological Association (PPA) and served as board president for GPPA and on ethics committees for both organizations. He also gave his time when asked to talk about his war experiences at local schools. Ray was a survivor with a quiet strength that brought people to learn from him and to find joy in his company. He listened, supported and cared for people with genuine kindness. He will continue to be a source of inspiration to the many whose lives he touched. He is survived by his wife, Claudine, his son Walter, daughter-in-law Suzan, granddaughter Shelby and her husband Russell, grandson Robert and great-granddaughter Isabella. May his memory be a blessing. Those who wish to honor Ray’s memory are encouraged to make donations in his name to BrightSpring Hospice Foundation, 805 N. Whittington Parkway, Louisville KY 40222. brightspringhealth.com/bright-spring-hospice-foundation/. Professional services trusted to D’Alessandro Funeral Home & Crematory, LTD., Lawrenceville. dalessandroltd.com PJC
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