Raymond Leonard Blazevic

Raymond Key West - Blazevic Leonard Blazevic Raymond L Blazevic

Raymond L. Blazevic passed away on November 28, 2024 living well into the 100th year of his very full life. He devoted his life to the service of his country, his community, family and anyone in need.

Born January 22, 1924 in Duluth, MN to Victor C. Blazevic and Agnes Kreminski Blazevic he was the 2nd oldest of 15 children. He graduated in 1942 from Denfeld High School, in Duluth. He wanted to attend college, but was inducted into the U.S. Navy during WWII. The majority was spent in the Northern Pacific patrolling the waters off the Aleutian Islands between Alaska and Asia. He was an Aircraft Electronics Technician, due to his discovered aptitude in electronics. He planned to attend college after the War ended, but due to advances being made in Radar and reconnaissance equipment being developed, he was kept in service after the war.

In 1951 he was deployed to the Korean War theatre aboard the USS Princeton, attached to VC35. June 10, 1951 Raymond, a combat air crewman on a night mission over North Korea along with Pilot CDR Charles Stapler, were shot down behind enemy lines. The plane ablaze and no way to contact CDR Stapler, Ray headed to the hatch and was assisted when the plane inverted. Initial reports assumed CMDR Stapler as the sole survivor, and Ray killed in action. A letter received by his mother confirmed Raymond survived. Raymond spent the next 27 months as a POW in North Korea being released at the end of the conflict. After a short respite following his release, Raymond continued his service, transferring to NAS Key West in 1958, assigned to VF-101 and was deployed to Vietnam onboard the USS Constellation. While in Key West he married Shirley E. Jordon.

Ray and Shirley started a family after marrying in 1960, and had four daughters, Cindy, Christina, Michele, and Melissa. Ray retired From the Navy in 1970 graduating from Florida Keys Community College and continued to work at NAS Key West in civil service, providing aircraft electronics maintenance, retiring again in 1989. During his 66 years in Key West, he was very active in local concerns and was regularly seen at city and county commission meetings raising concerns and volunteering time to various committees. He was commonly known as "Citizen Ray" by many. Raymond taught history classes at Fl Keys Community College, was a member of The Knights of Columbus, and provided his daughters many years of hands-on history lessons and took thousands of photos. Many can be viewed on the Monroe County Library website.

Predeceased by his wife Shirley, and daughter Cynthia. Ray is survived by his three daughters, Christina (John McMahon), Michele, and Melissa (Bill McIntyre). Grandsons, Jason and Spenser Budde, Joshua, Jacob (Eve) and Ian McMahon. Great granddaughters, Selina and Ivy'Rose. Please join us in celebrating the life Raymond Blazevic gave to his family, community and the military; December 14th, at 09:00 at The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea. Full Military Honors to follow the church service at the Key West Cemetery. Additional details available at the website, Dean-Lopez Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Basilica School of St. Mary Star of the Sea, or the Historical Society of your choice.