Chesapeake, VA - BUDZINA - Stephan Ray, 81, lovingly known as "Poppy," passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on April 11, 1945, in Somerset, Pennsylvania, to Stephen Budzina and Melda Shaffer. He graduated from Fostoria High School and the University of Toledo. Following his military duty with the U.S. Army, Steve returned to the railroad industry. In 2012, he retired as assistant vice president of labor relations at Norfolk Southern after nearly five decades of service. Steve is survived by his wife of 61 years, Melody; his daughters, Stacie Denson (sons, Hunter and Colten), Melissa Russell (John and son, John Jr.), Megan Jessey (Keith and son, Kaleb), and Stephanie Chetraru (children, Alisa and Alexander); his siblings, Judy Hauger (Ron), Suzella Pritts (Arthur), and Ava Shaffer; his brother-in-law, Robert Dickey (husband of the late Nancy Dickey), John Mason Budzina (Rick), David Budzina (Bonnie), and Michael Barefoot; and an extended family of loving relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen Budzina and Melda Shaffer; his son, Anthony Budzina; his granddaughter, Grace Russell; his nephew, Christopher Budzina; and his sister, Nancy Dickey. Steve enjoyed spending time with his family by gardening, attending sporting events, golfing, woodworking, and riding motorcycles. Steve was a hardworking, generous, and deeply dedicated family man who will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, at Oman Funeral Home, 653 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, with rosary prayers beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Catholic Church of St. Stephen, 1544 S. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, VA. Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to the Gracie Graces Boots and Hearts Foundation, a charity near and dear to his heart.