Raymond J. Perrone

Raymond John Perrone Sr. 88 of Worcester passed away Sunday, January 25, 2015 in the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, University Campus surrounded by his loving family. Ray was born on May 10, 1926 in Worcester. He was the son of Matilda (Interiere) Perrone and was educated in the Worcester Public Schools. When Ray was 19 he saw 15 year old Barbara Peluso on the steps of the Worcester Auditorium. She was wearing a beautiful blue dress and he told his friend that he "would marry that girl". She became the "love of his life" and he and Barbara were married in St. Margaret Mary Church on May 19, 1951. They then settled in the Lake View neighborhood that was their home for the next 63 years until Barbara's passing on July 8, 2013. Ray is survived by his three devoted children, two sons, Raymond J. Perrone, Jr. and his longtime companion Denise Lamoureux of Shrewsbury, Atty Robert A. Perrone, Esq. and his wife Wendy of Worcester, a daughter Patricia (Tricia) Tomasetta and her husband Arthur Jr. of Millbury, his brother-in-law Robert A. Peluso and his wife Vivian and his sister-in-law Marie (Fusaro) Perrone all of Worcester. Ray also leaves the joy of his life, his five grandchildren, Michael R, Jeffrey P, and Brett J. Perrone and Anthony J. and Deanna B. Tomasetta also, many nieces and nephews. Ray was predeceased by his brothers Dr. Samuel Perrone, Alfred, John and Frank Perrone and his sisters Florence Grady and Helen Mercurio. With his children and grandchildren involved in basketball and baseball and football, Ray spent many hours traveling to and participating in countless games. Not to show any favoritism, Ray also went to every recital and dance competition his granddaughter was involved in. He followed his three children and all five of his grandchildren with great interest as they moved from sports, dance, school, graduations and on into the world of adulthood. Ray has been cared for lovingly at home for the past few years by his three children who worked out their schedules so that on most nights he had a family member with him. His daughter cared for both her mother and father in her own home for many months and then with her brothers worked out a schedule where with the help of caregivers both parents received excellent care. Ray found immense pleasure in visiting with his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and wonderful caregivers who would talk with him by the hour. Ray was a "Trivia" expert and there was little you could catch him on. He was an expert on the history of Worcester and could give stats and historical information that would amaze the listener. Ray greatly enjoyed composing his monthly "Letter to the Editor". Like clockwork, he counted the days in between letters and spent the full month composing his next letter, making sure all his information was correct. Ray was a politician at heart and spent many happy days campaigning for various local politicians. Many years ago he threw his own hat in the ring when he ran for State Rep. No one loved their job more than Ray. He took great pride in his job as Chief Court Officer in Worcester County. He was respected by the many court officers he supervised. He was Secretary of Massachusetts Court Officers, an honorary member of the Massachusetts State Police, Chairman of Worcester Parks and Recreation, appointed by the City Manager to a 7 year commission on the Worcester Airport, Chaired the dedication of the new Sneiderman Bandstand at Institute Park. Past member of the Board of Directors for Friendly House in Worcester, Member of the Retired Men's Club of Greendale, Appointed to the Commission for Inter Religious and Ecumenical Affairs for the Worcester Diocese by Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan, Member of the Knights of Columbus Pope John Council and Fourth Degree Member the Bishop O'Reilly Assembly Knights of Columbus for Life., Long time member and lector of the former St. Margaret Mary Parish where he served as President of the Men's Club and head of the Parish Council. Even though he was a lifelong Democrat, as Chief Superior Court Officer, one of the proudest moments of Ray's life was when he answered his phone at the Court House and heard President Ronald Regan on the other end of the line. He was calling to speak with Judge William Young, a sitting judge in Worcester to nominate him to a Federal Judgeship. While waiting for Judge Young to come to the phone, Ray chatted with the President about how things were going in Worcester. The Perrone family would like to express their sincere thanks to Ray's doctors, Thomas Walsh, Samir Malkani and the fabulous staff in 7ICU at the University Campus. The care and concern of these wonderful medical providers meant the world to Ray and to us his family. We also want to say thank you to Lisa, Lori, Beverly, Michaela and Tammy for their loving care to our father. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Friday January 30th from 4pm to 8 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Ray's funeral will be held Saturday January 31st from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30PM in St. Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton St. Burial will follow in the Mausoleum Chapel at St. John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Ray's memory to St. Stephen's Church Renovation fund, 16 Hamilton St., Worcester, MA 01604.