Pelliccione

Raymond D. Pelliccione, 87, of Butler passed away Saturday at Concordia at the Orchard.

Vincent and Rose Bruny Pelliccione were extremely proud when Raymond was born on the 5th of August, 1921.

Residing on the South Side of Butler, Ray attended St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Grammar School. He was a graduate of the Butler High School Class of 1939 and The Butler Business College in 1941.

During World War II, Sgt. Pelliccione served with the 395th Infantry Regiment of the 99th Infantry, known as the "Checkerboard" assigned to the First U.S. Army. The "Checkerboard" stormed through the Siegfried Line, then across the Cologne Plain, and was the first infantry division of the First Army to bring its forces up to the Rhine River. After crossing the famed river, and participating in cleaning out the Ruhr Pocket, the 99th was assigned to the Third U.S. Army led by Gen. George Patton. The "Checkerboard" assisted in the final grand-slam drive across the Danube into Bavaria.

After serving his country, Ray returned to Butler and began a career as a tavern owner. He owned and operated the Ridgway Grill in Ridgway. Later, he purchased and managed Vin & Joe's Inn in Butler. The Inn was known for its delicious hot sausage sandwiches, friendly environment and no-nonsense owner.

Ray retired in 1984 and began enjoying the leisure life. Trips to Lake Arthur to fish with his grandson, grilling burgers for the two of them and wife Mable, cheering the Steelers to victory and agonizing in their defeat and trying to keep a "straight poker face" were a few of his pastimes.

Throughout his earthly experience, Ray was full of love, compassion and concern for his fellow man and woman. Friendly, congenial and soft-spoken were some of his finest political traits. Not withstanding, he was a Democrat when it came to politics.

He is survived by his wife, Mable Neyman Pelliccione, whom he married Oct. 1, 1997. She was his inspiration and best friend. His two daughters, Carol Wright of Plano, Texas, and Sharon Pelliccione of West Sunbury will always cherish fond memories of their father, remembering him as a loving and caring person. Son-in-law, Steve Wright and special friend Alan Daum will recall his dry wit and jovial sense of humor. Ray leaves a brother, Vincent Pelliccione Jr. of Butler. The bond that they enjoyed will never be broken. Grandsons, Arthur Pelliccione and Adam Wright, along with great-granddaughter, Marie Pelliccione, were extra-special people to Ray. Numerous nieces and nephews will always remember Uncle Ray. The "Board of Directors" enjoyed his straight face and easy manner, and all knew "when to fold them." Ray did not bluff. He always spoke the truth at — or away from — the table.

Susan Galson Pelliccione, Ray's first wife; brothers George and Alfred; sisters Virginia (Green), Helen Kieskowski and Anna (Lauer); and grandson Arthur Pelliccione preceded him into eternal life. Siblings, Richard, Robert and Frances passed on in infancy.

<B>PELLICCIONE </B>— Friends of Raymond D. Pelliccione, who died Saturday, July 25, 2009, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the <B>Martin Funeral Home</B>, 429 Center Ave., Butler. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Jason Hoerth of Saint Luke's Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in the St. Michael Cemetery.Friends and relatives who are considering a memorial to Ray are asked by the family to make donations in his name to the charitable organization of their choice in lieu of flowers.Information also is available at www.martinfh.net.