Raymond R. Petrarca

PETRARCA, RAYMOND R. 90, of 33 Lauriston Street, died Thursday, August 23, 2007 at The Miriam Hospital. He was the husband of Vernal Arbutus (Rasnake) Petrarca. They were married for 60 years and he never let anyone forget that she was the ' greatest love of his life'.

Ray was born in Gallitzin, PA. on December 20, 1916, a son of the late Liberatore and Grazie (Petrarca) Petrarca. He and Arbutus lived in Philadelphia for 67 years prior to moving to Providence four years ago to be near his daughter and grandsons.

Mr. Petrarca had a career as a Radiologic Technologist for the United States Government retiring from the Army Induction Center in Philidelphia after 35 years of service. He was a Army veteran of both WWII and the Korean War. During WWII he served as an Army Ranger with the 121st Infantry Regiment and participated in the Invasion of Normandy and several major European campaigns including the battle for Huertgen Forest.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the VFW and the American Legion in Philadelphia.

Besides his wife, he leaves his children, daughter Deborah R. Petrarca and her spouse Richard Gurspan of Warwick and son Daryl S. Petrarca and his spouse De De Boughton of Seattle, WA., and two grandsons Dylan J. Myers of Seattle and Matthew C. Myers of Providence. He was the grandfather of the late Colin P. Myers, and brother of the late Anthony, Frank and Albert Petrarca, Cora Ventura and Dora Boice.

He is also survived and missed by many beloved nieces and nephews and his family of adopted brothers at Bob D'Ambra's Sunoco Garage of Hope Street on the East Side of Providence where he was known as the 'assistant manager'. Mr Petrarca was a man of strong opinions and long stories. He will be remembered for his quick wit, his love of laughter, his beautiful singing voice and his strong loyalty to family and friends. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him and loved him well.

His funeral will be Saturday at 9:00 am from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Joseph's Church, 92 Hope Street, Providence. Burial with military honors will be in Swan Point Cemetery. Visitation Friday 5-7pm. www.boyleandsonfuneralhome.com