Dr. Raymond J. Fioroni

1923 - 2024

Dr. Raymond J. Fioroni, 100, of Canonsburg, formerly of Avella, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, with his loving family at his bedside in Paramount Senior Living, Peters Township. He was born on May 27, 1923, in Avella, son of the late Stephen and Louise Bogo Fioroni. Ray lived in Avella with his family until age 12, when the Great Depression forced his parents to move to Carnegie, where he attended Crafton High school. He was proud to work on the railroad at Rook Station, on steam engines. At age 18 he was drafted into World War II and served in the United States Army, as a Private First Class, under General Patton. He was assigned to the 633rd Ordinance Bomb disposal unit in Europe from 1943-1945. Ray enriched his family by sharing stories from WWII. After returning home, Ray attended Slippery Rock University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education in 1949. After graduation, he returned to his beloved hometown of Avella to begin his teaching career. Dr. Fioroni then attended the University of Pittsburgh where he received a Master's of Education degree in 1952 and a Doctorate of Education degree in 1973. Dr. Fioroni became Curriculum Director at Avella in 1958 and was named Avella High School Principal in 1961. He served as Superintendent of the Avella Area School District from 1970 until he retired in 1984. "Coach" loved the football program at Avella. During 1952-1961, while he was the head coach at Avella High School, he turned a losing program into a football powerhouse with 29 consecutive wins and four undefeated seasons in 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1961. In the same years his team the Washington-Greene County Conference championship four times and twice was the WPIAL champion. Ray's overall record was 69 wins, 14 losses and four ties. In his last five years coaching the Avella Eagles, his teams won 40, lost two and tied twice. Through his tenure at Avella, he coached other athletic programs including basketball, tennis, golf and wrestling. Many former Avella athletes remained in touch with Coach for decades. Ray received the WPIAL Heritage Award in 2016 and was honored twice as Washington County Coach of the Year by the Knights of Columbus Council 1083 in 1957 and 1961. He had also been inducted into the National Italian - American Sports Hall of Fame and the Italian - American Society of Washington County. In 1965, 1966 and 1967 Ray was also an assistant football coach at Bethany College. During his career; which spanned 36 years, he had his beloved wife, Dena, by his side. Ray and Dena Ottenga Fioroni were married on June 12, 1950 and enjoyed 50 years of marriage before she passed on October 18, 2000. In retirement, Ray enjoyed golfing with the "Thundering Herd" a league from W.Va. and golfing with his wife. Ray and Dena hosted card games with friends and loved to make polenta on winter weekends. Together they made many trips to Florida, South Carolina and Georgia. A lifelong learner, Ray bought a geometry book at age 95 because a high school teacher had given him a low grade. When finished with the book he gave himself an A. Ray enjoyed attending his grandson's and great-grandson's sporting events. Residing in Canonsburg for the last few years to be closer to his daughter, Ray never forgot his Avella roots. He was a member of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish (St. Michael Church of Avella) and also attended Mass at Holy Rosary Church in Muse. He was also a member of the Bert C. Siders American Legion Post 643 of Avella. Surviving Dr. Fioroni are, a daughter, Amy Fioroni D'Amico; a grandson, Anthony D'Amico; step-granddaughter, Jonelle D'Amico Williams and her husband, Drew; two great-grandsons, Keegan and Koen Williams; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death, in addition to his wife, Dena and parents, are two sisters, Ida Fioroni (1917 Spanish Flu) and Mabel Fioroni Bonassi; and his son-in-law, Ronald Anthony D'Amico. Friends and family will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. on, Friday, April 19, in the Jerome A. Stefkovich Funeral Home Inc., 18 Campbell Street, Avella, PA 15312. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at, 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, in St. Michael Church, 97 Highland Avenue, Avella, PA 15312, with Reverend David Perry officiating. Burial will be in West Point Cemetery, Avella. Full military rites will be accorded graveside. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bert C. Siders American Legion Post 643, 30 Short Street, Avella, PA15312. (Ray Fioroni's family built and lived in the current legion building until 1935, the letter "F" is still on the front peak of the building). Condolences may be expressed at stefkovichfuneralhome.com