"Raymond P. "Ray" Zirkle, 93, died June 2, 2026, in Putnam Valley, NY.

He was a part of many wire & cable initiatives and organizations, including the Wire Association International, Wire & Cable Clubs, Wire Association International, Wire & Cable Clubs, Wire & Cable Technology International Magazine, Wire & Cable Focus conference and expo, Wire & Cable Manufacturers Alliance Inc. and the Wire & Cable Industry Suppliers Association.

With co-founders Ed Fenton and Dick Callahan, Zirkle established Wire & Cable Focus in 1991 – which merged with IWCS - The Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum in 1999.  He also was owner of Billingslea & Zirkle Inc.

IWCS issued a statement that it “greatly appreciates and benefited from the contributions of Ray, along with his son, Doug Zirkle, to our successes together.”

While serving in the US Marine Corps, he worked as a US Embassy guard in London, where he met his wife, Dorothy. After military service, Zirkle earned a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University.

He was preceded in death by Dorothy Zirkle in 2002. Survivors include sons Douglas, Stephen and Michael; daughters Barbara and Mary Ann; and grandchildren.

The family suggests memorial donations to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation or the Purdue for Life Foundation.