Rev. Maurice L. Raymond

The Rev. Maurice L. Raymond, pastor of Most Precious Blood Church, Hazleton, died Saturday at Hazleton General Hospital.

Born Feb. 17, 1936, son of the late Neil and Nellie DeAngelo Raymond, he received his early education in Hazle Twp. schools and attended King's College. He completed his studies in St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, and was ordained to the priesthood June 16, 1962, in St. Peter's Cathedral, Scranton, by the Most Rev. Jerome D. Hannan, D.D., late Bishop of Scranton.

His first assignment was as an assistant pastor at St. Patrick's Church, Milford. He then served as assistant pastor of St. John's, Freeland; St. John the Evangelist, Wilkes-Barre; Our Lady of Grace, Hazleton; and St. Lucy's, Scranton. While serving the diocese as the director of religious formation at Bishop Hafey High School in Hazleton, he resided at Our Lady of Grace Church and later at Holy Trinity, both in Hazleton. His first pastorate was in 1979 at St. Anthony's Parish, Freeland, where he served for 10 years before becoming the pastor of Most Precious Blood.

In addition to his parochial duties and school assignment, he served as spiritual director of the Sacred Heart Mission Group at St. Anthony's and as dean of the Freeland Deanery from 1986 to 1989. While at Bishop Hafey High School, he also served as the associate director of religious education for special education for the diocese and wrote "God's Special Children Celebrate Mass," which was published by Our Sunday Visitor. As associate director of religious education for special education, he worked diligently to provide religious education, sacramental preparation and social activities for special-needs children. His work in this area was highlighted in an article, "The Parish and the Special Child, They Need Each Other" by Paul Cullen, associate editor for the Catholic Witness, the official paper for the Diocese of Harrisburg.

He also earned a certificate in special education from Marywood College in 1973 and received a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy in 1974 from the University of Scranton. A certified Braillist, he also worked with the blind. He received a certificate from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for his work as chaplain to juvenile delinquents in Luzerne County, and also worked with prisoners at Luzerne County Prison.

Surviving are a sister, Maria Letcher "Lanie" and husband, Robert, Hazleton; nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Neil Raymond Jr., his twin; and Peter Raymond; and three sisters, Carmella Aita, Florence Usiak and Nellie Viechec.

Viewing will be Tuesday, 3 to 6:30 p.m., in Most Precious Blood Church, 131 E. Fourth St., Hazleton. A vigil Mass will be celebrated at 7 by the Rev. Mark Balczeniuk, dean.

Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 11 a.m. in Most Precious Blood Church by the Most Rev. Joseph F. Martino, D.D., Hist., E.D., Bishop of Scranton. Viewing, Wednesday before Mass. Interment, Calvary Cemetery, Drums.