Mr. Raymond J. "Ray Zang" Zangrilli Jr.

UTICA - Mr. Raymond J. “Ray Zang” Zangrilli, Jr., age 69, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2018 in the privacy and comfort of his home with his loving family at his side after a valiant battle with cancer. Born in Utica on July 6, 1949, Raymond was the son of the late Raymond J., Sr. and Palma “Polly” (Potenza) Zangrilli. He lived upstairs from his grandfather Luigi Zangrilli’s Shoe Store on Bleecker Street until the age of 5 and then moved to the family homestead on Lansing Street where he has resided ever since. He attended St. Anthony’s Grammar School where in 1962 he asked Terry Scalzo to “go steady” with him, and they have been together ever since. Ray was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1967 and continued his education at H.C.C.C. earning an Associate degree in 1969. On April 17, 1971, he married his grade school sweetheart, Theresa “Terry” Scalzo. They put each other first and were blessed with a love that endured 47 years. Ray worked for the City of Utica Recreation Department from 1971-1980 under director Nonnie Pensero. In 1980 he accepted a position with the Utica City School District as the Athletic Field Groundskeeper at Proctor High School. He took pride in the presentation of the field and he upheld high standards in maintaining it. He retired in 2006. He returned to the workforce after retirement as a Security Guard at Proctor, a job he truly loved, and according to Ray Zang, “I go to work, I get entertained, and I got paid for it”. Best job, yet! Ray was a man of integrity and honesty. He was a perfectionist at home and at work. Everyone knows that he kept a watchful eye on all things that were important to him. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, he wanted you to hear his feelings. He held close the traditions taught to him as far back as his grandparents’ days. He was a good son, and he carried with him the wisdom of his elders and passed it along to his children and grandchildren who adored and loved him. Ray was a sports enthusiast and had a respect for all competitive sports for every season of the year. He was a staunch New York Yankees fan and a faithful spectator of the games, not only on television, but also at the actual event. There was a brave man who became Ray’s favorite, and although he wasn’t a Yankee, Hank Aaron was his hero. In football, he was a die hard New York Giants fan, especially when they won Super Bowl XXV in 1991, a day the Giants were hot in Tampa, and Ray was in the bleachers as they defeated the Buffalo Bills, 20-19. Ray played in a Wednesday night golf league at the Stonebridge where his team was known as “The Bad Fellows” on the fairways. But his heart belonged to the ponies, and Saratoga was the place he frequented for over 50 years. Once a year, as a family, they set out to Saratoga. Ray parked in the same place and came prepared with a packed cooler, a clear mind focused on the races of the day, eyeglasses at a slight tilt, sitting in his chair with program in hand. In truth, Ray was the best handicapper, and Saratoga will never be the same without him. Ray also had a routine for Proctor sports. He attended every basketball and football game, and sat in the same place. He was saddened when his illness prevented him from being in the stands. His goal this year was to be able to attend his granddaughter Aryanna’s high school graduation… and he was filled with pride as he watched her walk across the stage, thanks to Lindsay Cortese and Steve Falchi who made it possible! He leaves behind his beloved wife and caregiver, Terry; and two children of whom he was so proud, his daughter Rhonda Zangrilli-Russell and her husband Patrick Russell; and his son Raymond J. Zangrilli, III and Kristina Hart. One of his most blessed gifts were his loving grandchildren who were his world. He adored them and they each had their own special connection to him: Aryanna Rose and her academic achievements and “Proctor talk”, Ahlanna Jasmine and her amazing singing voice and her basketball and sporting skills, and Penny Russell who he loved the first day they met and talked about sports like pros; Rocco Raymond Zangrilli who lit up Ray’s face when he walked in, first wanting to know what’s for dinner and then asking Papa if they could play slots and horse races on his Ipad; Rocco’s mother Jamie Lee Zangrilli; and Jace Hart who always called him “Ray’s dad” and had something wild to say to make him laugh. He also leaves his beloved brother and sister-in-law, David and Jacqueline “Jackie” Zangrilli; a host of nieces, with special mention of Renee Alessandrini who was by Ray and Terry’s side from the beginning; nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, all with whom he shared many happy, fun, and crazy times; his aunts, Mary Grace Guerra, Barbara Zangrilli, and Jody Potenza; his in-laws, Roseann and Robert Alessandrini, Michael and Lisa Scalzo, and Andrea Scalzo. Ray was a special man, and he was so well remembered, especially during his illness, for which his family is so appreciative. Some of the stand alones are Butch and Joanne Sisti, Brian and Angela Greco, Bob and Denise Giglio, Frannie and Lori Pensero, John Dooley, and many more, too numerous to mention. A special thank-you to Sam Paniccia for his monthly heart-to-heart calls that lit up Ray’s days and brought him to tears. He loved you, Sam. If anyone could have loved Ray more than his own family it was Dicky Rose, and his generosity will never be forgotten. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Louis and Theresa (Bottini) Scalzo; and his sister-in-law, Mary Lou LeClair. The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Atul Butala for his medical expertise; the staff of the Faxton Regional Cancer Center especially Annie Flagg for their support; and the personnel of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., especially Crystal, and all whose service allowed Ray to have his wish to remain at home. The family has honored and commemorated Ray’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Raymond’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday morning at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Dad, you are the wind beneath our wings, our angel to watch over us. Your gallant fight is over, no more suffering, just peace. We love you, dad, and we love you forever, Papa.

Mr. Raymond J. "Ray Zang" Zangrilli Jr.

July 6, 1949 - July 27, 2018