Rev. Raymond C. Boccardi

September 20, 2014 Last Updated: September 20, 2014 01:01 PM Death Notice

The Rev. Raymond C. Boccardi, 90, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully at 6:20 a.m. Sunday in the Carriage Court Nursing Home, New Castle.

Father Ray was born on July 31, 1924, in Ellwood City to the late Patsy and Mary Beatrice Boccardi Sr.

He had attended elementary school in Ellwood City and graduated from the Brunnersdale Seminary in Canton, Ohio. He also graduated from St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Ind., and St. Vincent's Seminary in Latrobe.

Father Ray was ordained on Feb. 2, 1952, by the Bishop John Dearden at Saint Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh. He was also incardinated into the Diocese of Pittsburgh on the same day. Father Ray served as Parochial Vicar for four years at Saint William Parish in East Pittsburgh, for four years at Regina Coeli Parish in Pittsburgh, for one year at the Mother of Sorrows Parish in McKees Rocks, for two years at Saint Hilary Parish in Washington, for one year at Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Pittsburgh, and for five years at the Saint Vitus Parish in New Castle. He then served as the pastor at the Saint Andrew Parish in Butler for 25 years and for five years as the administrator of Saint John Parish in Fenelton.

Following his retirement on April 2, 1999, he assisted at Holy Redeemer Parish in Ellwood City. While assisting in Ellwood City, Father Ray organized the Legion of Mary, and sponsored the local rosary program for the troops. He was also presently serving as the chaplain for the Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council and the Holy Name Society of the Holy Redeemer Parish.

Father Ray is survived by his sister, Beatrice Fleo of New Castle, and his brother, Patsy Boccardi Jr. of Monroeville.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Elizabeth D'Ambrosia, Amelia Carol and Lucille Allen; his brother, Donald Boccardi; his brothers-in-law, Tony Fleo, Gaylord Allen, Pete Carol and Guy D'Ambrosia, and his sister-in-law, Della Boccardi.

Boccardi— A Vesper service for the Rev. Raymond C. Boccardi, who passed away peacefully Sunday, Aug. 17, 2014, will be at 7 p.m. Thursday in Holy Redeemer Church, 300 Crescent Ave. No. 1, Ellwood City, followed by visitation until 9 p.m.A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Holy Redeemer Church with Bishop David A. Zubik officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Ellwood City.