With deep sadness, the Marfan Foundation announces the passing of Raymond Chevallier – longtime board member, volunteer leader, and cherished friend of the Foundation. Ray passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, surrounded by his family, after a recent illness.
Marfan Foundation Board Chair Bert Medina said, “A gentle and kind soul has left us, but his legacy will live on through the lives he touched. He will be greatly missed.”
Ray’s connection to our community spanned more than four decades. He became involved with the Foundation in 1984, during our earliest years, and remained a steadfast advocate for our mission until the present day.
“Ray was a remarkable friend, a generous spirit, and an extraordinary leader,” said Michael Weamer, Marfan Foundation President and CEO. “I had the privilege of knowing him for more than 25 years, and I always felt better in his company. His contributions to advancing our mission were profound and lasting, and his guidance – both personal and professional – will be deeply missed.”
Over the years, Ray served in many critical leadership roles, including Treasurer (2009–2011), Board Chair (2012–2014), Board Advisor (2015–2016), and Board Member (2020–2026). In addition to his executive roles, Ray contributed his time and expertise to the Budget & Finance Committee and the Research Committee.
Professionally, Ray brought decades of financial and business expertise to the Foundation. A graduate of Hofstra University and St. John’s University, he built a distinguished career, including serving as Chief Financial Officer for F. Schumacher & Co. and later as a consultant. That expertise proved invaluable to the Foundation, particularly during his time as Treasurer, when he redesigned board financial reporting to make it clearer, more consistent, and better aligned with fiduciary responsibilities.
But Ray’s impact extended far beyond spreadsheets and board meetings.
He was known for his wisdom, generosity, and quiet leadership, offering thoughtful guidance that was always practical, grounded, and kind. He was deeply respected by his peers and beloved by those who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Former Foundation Board Chair Cory Eaves said, “I worked very closely with Ray during my early years with the Foundation. We were partners through both challenging and uplifting moments, and I came to deeply respect his judgement, his community-member-first mentality, and his sense of humor. The Foundation lost a leader. The community lost an advocate. I lost a friend.”
Ray believed fully in service and showing up for others – beliefs that guided his work with the Foundation for more than 40 years and helped shape the organization we are today.
“Ray will always be remembered for his kind heart, uplifting and warm spirit, and heartfelt guidance,” said Janice Lynch, MSN, RN, a nurse with the Foundation’s Help & Resource Center and friend of Ray’s for many years. “He touched the lives of so many in our community. We will always remember him, and we will miss him so much.”
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ray’s wife Joanne, his children Michael and Christine, his grandchildren, and all who loved him. Ray’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he has touched, the systems he strengthened, and the compassion he modeled for us all.
For those who wish to learn more about Ray’s life and the arrangements honoring his memory, his full obituary is available here.
The Marfan Foundation is a nonprofit organization that saves lives and improves the quality of life of individuals with genetic aortic and vascular conditions including Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, and Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. Our vision is a world in which everyone with genetic aortic and vascular conditions can live their best life.