Raymond E. Zalneraitis, Sr., loving and beloved father and grandfather passed away peacefully on Aug. 15th, 2013 in UMass Memorial Medical Center. He was 63 years old and surrounded at the end by his children and mother.
Ray was born on September 6, 1949 in Worcester and he is preceded in death by his father, Herbert Zalneraitis. He is survived by his mother, Rosemary (Crampton) Zalneraitis of Oakham; two sons, Raymond E. Zalneraitis and his wife Kate of Paxton and SSGT James M. Zalneraitis and his wife Jillian of Nevada; a daughter, Karen M. Cross and her husband Michael of Maryland; six brothers; three sisters; and five grandchildren, Gabriella, Trey, Emily, Wyatt and Benjamin.
Ray was a graduate of Tahato Regional High School and received his degree in Business Administration from Worcester Junior College. Raymond served our county in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1976.
Ray was a very happy, easy going person with a real laid back personality. He was a great friend, amazing Father, and extraordinary Grandfather! He always took great pride in working and providing for his family and would do whatever it took to see people smile. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. No one could ever fill the shoes he walked in!
Family, friends, and others whose lives Ray touched are invited to MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21, 2013. Burial will be held privately.