Raymond F. Cerasoli

Ray was born on March 9, 1935, to Fred “Palm Beach” and Sophie (Swenski) Cerasoli.

Ray attended Iron Mountain High School and despite the best efforts of his favorite teachers, Silvio “Tape” Egizii and Clarence Menghini, he left without a diploma, much to the dismay of his mother.

Ray was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958. He was stationed in Germany, where he earned his GED and badges for good conduct, auto mechanics, and marksmanship. He had many fond memories of his time in Europe.

He was discharged to the army reserves in 1960 only to be called back up in 1961 following the Bay of Pigs Invasion in Cuba. He loved telling people he was drafted two times. Fortunately, the Cuban missile crisis ended peacefully, and Raymond was discharged once again to come home to Iron Mountain.

On July 3, 1965, Ray married Karen Larson. They built a beautiful home, family, and life together. He always said he travelled all around the world and came home to build a house on “B shaft” where he grew up. It was where he belonged.

On his 83rd birthday in 2018, an army recruiter randomly knocked on his front door … Ray grabbed his walker and said, “I’m ready! Let’s go!”

Ray gained valuable experience in the army and by working for a number of local businesses, including Brosio’s Service, Bob Forgette, and Cummins.

Ray spent 35 years at a business with his last name on the sign, and the word “president” after his name on the legal paperwork. “Well, the president still scrubs the toilet around here.”

He “retired” in 1995 only to find his many loyal customers would not let him just quit. He felt so honored to have been voted “Best Mechanic” in 2004.

He portrayed himself as a tough guy, The Padrone, but we all knew the true Papa who was gentle and kind. He treasured his grandchildren; each one of them held a special place in his heart.

Ray enjoyed his garden — painstakingly planting tomatoes and peppers from seed over the winter, transplanting, hardening off, and not to mention fending off the deer in his yard. He could never resist purchasing pansies in the spring because they were smiling at him. Let us not forget the peas. Ray had the best garden peas in town.

At harvest time he canned spaghetti “gravy'” with his home-grown tomatoes and antipasto, and he was famous for his toasted hot peppers. He baked bread, biscotti, and pie. So much pie! Strawberry-rhubarb was a favorite, but his apple pie was definitely the best.

Ray is survived by his wife of 60 years, Karen (Larson) Cerasoli; his daughters, Eileen (Jason) Anderson and Jane (Ron) Perttu; and five grandchildren: Olivia (Nate) Cayer, Nathan Perttu, Everett Anderson, Sophie Anderson, and Clara Anderson.

He is further survived by his brother, Fred Cerasoli; his sisters, Betty Beaudoin, Carole “Bitsi” Hamm, and Mary (Joe) Spigarelli; his sister-in-law, Fran Cerasoli; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Sophie; sister, Helen Daniels; brother, Joe Cerasoli; and brothers-in-law, Herb Daniels, Wally Beaudoin, and Ted Hamm.

Raymond’s beloved dog Roscoe and grand-dog Sam were waiting patiently to greet him at the rainbow bridge.

And last, but certainly not least, a very special thank you goes out to Pinecrest Medical Care Facility. The family is sincerely grateful for the kindness of the staff and the wonderful, personal care provided to Ray.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church at 9 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. A fellowship luncheon will follow.

“I can fix anything but a broken heart.” — Ray Cerasoli

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Raymond F. Cerasoli online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.