Raymond J. DeWire Sr.

Raymond J. DeWire Sr.
Raymond J. DeWire Sr., 88, of West Rowe Street Tamaqua, passed away on Friday, Sept. 18, in the St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of the late Louise A. (Coc-cio) DeWire, who died April 25, 2014. He worked for the former Atlas Powder Company, Reynolds, for 42 years before retiring in 1989.Born Oct. 24, 1926, in Tamaqua, he was a son of the late Raymond F. and Margaret (Deitrich) DeWire.
He was a member of St. John XXIII Catholic Church, Tamaqua.
A 1944 graduate of the former St. Jerome High School, Tamaqua, he served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Surviving are a son, Raymond J. "Bud" Jr., and his wife, Nadine, of Tamaqua; a daughter, Louann D., wife of John Christopher Jr., of Ormond Beach, FL; his grandchildren who referred to him as Pap: Raymond Dean DeWire, and his wife, Brittany, Emily Christopher, April Christopher, Dane DeWire, John Christopher III, and Deana Rae DeWire and Karley Hine; and three great-grandchildren, Blythe, Davin and Kameron.
He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Donald "Ace" and Charles.
Service: Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 266 W. Broad St., Tamaqua. Military graveside service, parish cemetery, Tamaqua. Call 9-9:45 a.m. Saturday in the church. Contributions in his name may be made to the church, 18252. Arrangements by E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua. Online condolences can be offered at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.