Mr. Raymond K. Mazza, Sr.

Mr. Raymond K. “Ray” Mazza, Sr., age 85, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on December 24, 1930, Raymond was the son of the late Joseph and Mary R. (Graziano) Mazza. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1949 and he continued his studies at Utica College. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Ray honorably and bravely served his country as a member of the 8th Army, 25th Infantry Division, 35th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War. He was the recipient of 3 Bronze Service Star Medals for Meritorious service. On September 18, 1954 Ray married his high school sweetheart, the former Freida Cabouch with whom he shared 61 years united in everything, especially their trust and love. They finished each others sentences and were of one mind as they met every triumph and tribulation of life, together. Ray began his diverse working career at the General Electric Company, Radio/Receiver plant on Bleecker Street where he worked in Production Control for many years. He subsequently accepted a position at UNIVAC where he remained until their closing. He then held employment at the Mele Manufacturing Company, and lastly at the DeVine-Munson Machinery Company, the position from which he retired in 1995. Ray was compassionate and empathetic in his relationships, especially as patriarch of his family. He was his children’s confidant, mentor, and source of strength. He was very principled and his beliefs were rock solid. He imparted these values to his children by the way he led his life. Ray was a fair and forgiving man with strong social skills. He was an intellectual and inspiring story teller. He enjoyed family picnics and dancing with his wife at area venues. For many of his younger years, he played softball and golfed. Ray was most thankful for raising a family he was proud of and sharing his love and affection with his grandchildren. Patriotic and civically minded, he was a member of the Knights of St. John International, St. Anthony of Padua Commandery #385, a 32nd Degree Mason with the Masonic Lodge, President of the Director’s Staff at Ziyara Shrine; Tau Zeta Fraternity, American Legion Post #229, Lifetime Member of the 25th Infantry Division Association, and President of the AVRA Association. He was a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Raymond is survived by his devoted wife, Freida; his children and their loves, Cheryl and Kenneth “Ken” Payne of Utica, Karen Mazza and her husband Kenneth “Ken” Toback of Bayside, NY, Raymond K. Mazza of Utica, and Andrea and Scott Helmer of Frankfort; and his grandchildren, Lauren and Steven Kilmartin, and Russell Suppa; James Toback, Melissa Toback; John Hall; Victoria, and Brynlee Helmer. He will also be remembered by his nieces, nephews, especially acknowledging Ben Rizzo, and Greg and Leigh D’Agostino; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, John and Teresa Cabouch, and Lucille Groben; and his forever friends, Addie Foresti, and her late husband, Sam. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Carmela and Frank “House” D’Agostino, Josephine and Joseph Rizzo, and Frances and Louis DiMare. The family is grateful to the Emergency Room staff at St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their kindness and compassion. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The members of the Knights of St. John's Commandery #385 will assemble at the funeral home at 6:30, and the members of the Masonic Service Utica Lodge #47 will assemble at 6:45 for Ritualistic Services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ray’s honor may be made to the American Legion Post #229 or the Shriners Hospitals for Children with orthopedic conditions; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Raymond’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial with Military Honors will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Interment will take place graveside at Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Mr. Raymond K. Mazza, Sr.

December 24, 1930 - March 12, 2016