Raymond Malara Sr.

Mr. Raymond Malara, Sr., age 78, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, July 22, 2010 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on November 19, 1931, Raymond was the son of the late Pasquale and Anna (Zammiello) Malara. He was raised and educated locally. A proud veteran, he served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1949-1952 and the U.S. Air Force from 1952-1954. On May 30, 1985 he was joined in marriage to the former Joan K. Cole, and together they shared 25 years as a loving couple. Raymond was the owner and operator of RM Body Works on Genesee St. for many years. He was a kind, gentle man, and the greatest source of love in his life was his family. He also had a love of aeronautics and a vocation for flying his own airplane. He found pleasure and peace in the Adirondacks where he hunted and fished the great outdoors. He served as past president of the Optimist Club. Raymond is survived by his devoted wife, Joan; his sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Nancy Malara of Frankfort, and Raymond, Jr. and Renee Malara of Bradenton, FL, and Paul and Anna Malara of Boonville; and their mother, Helen Malara; his grandchildren, Raymond III, Andrea, Deanna, Helen, Paula, Katherine, Edythe, and Steven Malara, Jr.; and his great-grandchildren, Desirie and Ariella Malara and Trenton Satterly. Survivors also include his step-daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Robert Bushey of Deerfield; his step-sons and daughter-in-law, David and Janet Cole of New Hartford, James Cole of Utica, and Bradley Cole of WA; and his five step-grandchildren. He is also survived by his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; in-laws, Judy C. Malara, and Evelyn Malara; and his many close friends. He was predeceased by his brothers and sister-in-law, Volo A. Malara, David A. Malara, Sr., and Patsy, Jr. and Winifred Malara. The family is grateful to the nurses and staff of the ICU at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for their care and compassion. Visitation will be held Monday morning from 9:00-10:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association in lieu of flowers; envelopes will be available at the mass. Raymond’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Military Honors. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Raymond Malara Sr.

November 19, 1931 - July 22, 2010