Raymond H. Mezzano

HURLEY, Wis. - Raymond H. Mezzano, 91, a long-time resident of Montreal, died peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer, May 18, 2019, in Hurley, Wis.

He was born in Montreal on Aug. 13, 1927, son of the late Anton and Marjorie (James) Mezzano.

He attended the Montreal grade school and J.E. Murphy High School, earning a G.E.D. diploma after his service in the Navy. Raymond enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1945 at the age of 17 and served overseas in the Azore Islands attached to the Seabees. He then returned to the States for two years serving onboard the LST 1123 on the west coast.

Raymond received the European and African Campaign medals as well the Victory Medal. In November 1947, he received an Honorable Discharge and returned to the Hurley area.

On Oct. 23, 1948, he married Evelyn Joyce Johnson at Sacred Heart Church in Montreal.

Raymond was employed by Oglebay Norton Mining company in 1946 until its closing in 1962. Then he attended a training program to become a welder in Ashland. He later worked as a welder in Woodstock, Ill., at Drott in Wausau and then in 1966 began his employment with White Pine Copper Company until it's closing. Ray was then employed by Whitecap Mountain until retiring in 1988.

Ray loved hunting, fishing, trapping, skiing both downhill and cross country, as well as gardening. He also enjoyed helping his neighbors and watching the Green Bay Packers.

He truly enjoyed a visit with his son to the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. taking part in the "Never Forgotten Honor Flight" in 2012.

Raymond was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Montreal and St. Mary's in Hurley. He is a lifetime member of VFW Post 1580 of Hurley.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn of 71 years; his two sons, Randall (Randy) of Pine Lake, and Jeffrey of Madison; brothers and sisters-in-law, Roland (Suzanne) Johnson, Wesley (Marlene) Johnson, Shirley (Bob) Ebli and Barbara Jackson; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and special friends, Dennis (Shyanne) Gulan, Jim (Julie) Hewitt, and Papa Ray's Julia and Jessica.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by Robert (Kathleen) Mezzano and Maryann Mezzano; in-laws, John (Impi) Johnson; son-in-law, John Johnson; sister-in-law, Donna Johnson; and Robert Jackson, Greg Johnson and Thomas Jackson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 8, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley with Father Frank Kordek officiating. Friends may call on the family at church beginning at 10 a.m. with the service to follow at 11 a.m. Inurnment will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery in Hurley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made on Raymond's behalf to local charities.

The family would also like to thank the staff of Skyview Nursing Center and Range Regional Hospice services for their outstanding care.

Ketola-Burla Funeral home in Ironwood is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information or to express condolences visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.