Raymond Azzarelli

From his earliest beginnings, Ray Azzarelli had a fun loving personality. As one of seven children, Ray only added to the laughter and bustling activity that filled his home. He did well in sports throughout his school years, especially basketball, and had many interests that held his attention. Although life threw more than a few curves his way, Ray intercepted them the best way he knew how, and when he was able. It didn’t take much to make Ray happy, but love is what will be remembered most in the memories of those who knew and loved him.

Truly a time of celebration and reflection, the end of World War II found Americans ready to move forward and begin anew. The year 1946 introduced many new advances in science and technology, and industry and manufacturing continued to increase giving many hope for the future. For Sam and Jean (LaGesse) Azzarelli of Kankakee, Illinois, nothing could compare to the excitement they were experiencing when on December 2, 1946 they welcomed the birth of a baby boy they lovingly named Raymond.

Devout in their Catholic faith, the large Azzarelli household was always filled with a flurry of activity. Ray grew up alongside his brothers, Richard, James and Greg as well as his sisters, Paula, Mary and Jeanne. From an early age Ray displayed his fun loving side and enjoyed playing with his siblings and neighborhood friends. With fond remembrance, Ray delighted thinking back to Christmases past when he recalled how his grandfather made a game out of placing nuts and money on the kitchen table. All of the kids would scramble to get as much as they could, and it always proved to be a fun time for everyone. As a boy Ray found his share of mischief as many boys do, and when he was caught doing something wrong his mother would chase him all around the house until they both collapsed, rolling in laughter. Honest to the core, Ray was even kicked off the basketball team in school for telling the truth about something he did.

Throughout Ray’s formative years he was involved in sports. As a child he played baseball on the Lions Little League Team and while attending Limestone Grade School he played basketball. His love for basketball continued throughout high school until he graduated in 1965 from Bishop McNamara High School. For a time he attended both Central Florida Junior College and Northern Michigan Junior College, but on May 17, 1967 he felt the call to duty and enlisted in the Army National Guard. As part of his duty, he served during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Following his discharge, Ray went on to work at Azzarelli Construction where he remained for many years.

Ray also enjoyed many other things. He loved White Sox baseball, was as avid Chicago Blackhawk hockey fan and in his free time enjoyed listening to various genres of music. He was a longtime member of St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church and was involved with the Knights of Columbus and Teamsters Union #705.

Although it took little to make Ray happy, he had his share of struggles, too. Although he tried endlessly to overcome it, Ray suffered from bouts of mental depression. Because of his illness over the years Ray lived at the Bourbonnais Terrace. There, Ray was blessed to of formed many special relationships. If you knew Ray you knew that he loved to do push-ups and he wasn't shy about telling you how many he could do! He loved being home with his family and a trip to the local Dairy Queen was always on order. He also made it a point to attend Mass when he was home on Sundays. At the age of 63, Ray sadly died on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at the place he came to call his home away from home, Bourbonnais Terrace. When learning of his passing even staff members who were off that day came over to say their last goodbye's.

Raymond Azzarelli was a well loved son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend. Although he endured many years of hardship and struggle, he added much to the lives of those who really knew and loved him. It wasn’t always easy for Ray, but he did the best he could, and that is all anyone could ever ask for. He will be deeply missed and remembered.

He is survived by his parents, Sam and Jean Azzarelli of Kankakee; three brothers: Richard (Vicki) Azzarelli of Land O'Lakes, Florida, James (Mary) Azzarelli of Odessa, Florida and Greg (Julie) Azzarelli of Kankakee, three sisters: Paula (Phil) Czernik, Mary (George) McGrath and Jeanne (Jeff) James, all of Kankakee; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his grandparents; five uncles: John, Pete, Bart and Joseph Azzarelli and Frank Raspolich and an aunt, Josephine Azzarelli.

The Mass of Christian burial honoring Ray’s life will be held on Friday, June 4, 2010, 10:00 AM at St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church, 907 South 9th Avenue, Kankakee, Illinois. Family and friends will gather for visitation on Thursday, June 3, 2010 from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Kankakee Chapel of the Schreffler Funeral Home, 1900 West Court Street in Kankakee. Entombment will take place in the Azzarrelli mausoleum in Mound Grove Cemetery in Kankakee IL. following the mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ray’s memory may be directed to Hospice of Kankakee Valley, St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church or to Bourbonnais Terrace. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Ray, or to sign his online guest book.