Ray Shero’s beloved wife, Karen, helped him navigate the highs and lows of professional sports management while he was an NHL executive.
Rejean “Ray” Shero was an NHL executive known for his tenure as general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils.
Tragically, he passed away at the age of 62 on April 9, 2025. While his official cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, reports suggest he was undergoing cancer treatments.
Sidney Crosby on the passing of Ray Shero. pic.twitter.com/1YSh8n3oy5
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 9, 2025
Ray’s influence extended beyond the ice; he was known for his warm personality and ability to connect with people.
His passing has deeply impacted his family and the hockey community, with tributes pouring in from players, executives, and fans.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman praised Shero’s team-building acumen, saying:
Ray Shero’s smile and personality lit up every room he walked into and brightened the day of everyone he met. Widely respected throughout hockey for his team-building acumen and eye for talent, he was even more beloved for how he treated everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
The Minnesota Wild is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ray Shero. pic.twitter.com/9mqkjaR5ms
— Minnesota Wild PR (@mnwildPR) April 9, 2025
Additionally, Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin recalled his time with Ray, saying:
Whenever we ran into each other at a rink when he was scouting, it was clear he loved what he was doing and I always marveled at his infectious enthusiasm.
Ray Shero Is Survived By His Wife, Karen, And Their Two Sons, Chris And Kyle!
Ray Shero was married to Karen Shero, and together, they had two sons, Chris and Kyle.
Karen was a strong presence in Ray’s life, offering support and even weighing in on his career decisions.
In a past interview, Ray joked that Karen never forgave him for trading Tom Fitzgerald:
My wife really liked Tom, and she’s still mad at me for that one.
Karen was a strong support for Ray throughout his career, during his challenging times like being fired from the New Jersey Devils in 2020, and his achievements.
While she maintained a private life, Karen’s role behind the scenes was evident in Ray’s decision-making and success.
Regarding their sons, Chris and Kyle, followed in their father’s footsteps and pursued careers in hockey scouting.
Chris works as an amateur scout for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Kyle serves in the same role for the Philadelphia Flyers.
Kyle’s role with the Flyers was significant because of the Shero family’s deep connection to the franchise.
His grandfather, Fred Shero, coached the Flyers to back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1974 and 1975.
Coming from a legendary hockey family, Chris and Kyle Shero have pursued careers in the sport, continuing their father’s and grandfather’s legacy.
However, following their father’s passing, they have maintained a low profile in recent days.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Ray Shero was born to parents Fred and Mariette Shero on July 28, 1962.
- His father, Fred, was a legendary NHL coach for the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers.
- Fred passed away on November 24, 1990, at the age of 65, due to cancer.
