Raymond A. Procaccini

Raymond Anthony Procaccini, Sr., age 95, passed away in the Veterans Administration Hospital in West Roxbury on Thursday, March 23, 2017. Born in his parents' East Street home in Walpole, Massachusetts on July 27, 1921, he was the son of the late Giovanni and Emidia (Civita) Procaccini. Ray was raised in Walpole and was a three-season athlete, playing football, basketball, and running track at Walpole High School, before graduating with the Class of 1940. After graduation, he began working as a machine operator at Universal Woodworking.

Ray was called to duty after the outbreak of World War II. He proudly and honorably served his country in the United States Army Air Force and was stationed in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations as well as on the home front. Upon his discharge in February of 1946, he held the rank of Staff Sergeant and had served aboard aircrafts as an Airplane Instrument Mechanic.

After he returned to his beloved hometown of Walpole, Ray, taking advantage of the GI Bill, began taking classes at Northeastern University in addition to helping his family operate Procaccini's Market on East Street. As a former member of the GLEE Club in his high school days, Ray loved taking the time to perform with the Neponset Choral Society as a way to relax after the war.

Because of the knowledge that Ray gained in the Air Force, he was hired by the Northrup Corporation in Norwood and he later worked for Fisher Scientific in Waltham. Ultimately, he took a position with the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier, serving the area of North Walpole for many years until his retirement in 1986.

Throughout his life, Ray loved planting and caring for his vegetable garden and was known for his wonderful tomatoes. A huge sports fan, especially football, he enjoyed cheering on his Pats, Celtics and Soxs. He was a collector of items, including coins and watches; and as an avid reader, he enjoyed keeping up on the latest spy novels and action thrillers.

Loving father of Raymond A. Procaccini, Jr. of Foxboro and Laura P. Moriarty and her husband Stephen of Reading.
Cherished grandfather of Felicia Moriarty, Ian Moriarty, Selina Moriarty, Alexander Procaccini, and Justin Procaccini.
Brother of Paul Procaccini of Walpole, Pauline Brovelli of Holliston, the late Melvin Procaccini, Emma Dentino, Palma DiFillipo, Albert Procaccini, Rose Perro, and Anthony Procaccini.
Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Ray's Life Celebration on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 from 4-8 PM and Wednesday, March 29, 2017 from 9-9:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Doug Flutie Foundation for Autism, P.O. Box 2157, Framingham, MA 01703.