Obituary: Raymond Slattery

As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home:

Raymond Joseph Slattery, 86, a long-time resident of Tampa, FL, died on March 7, 2022, at Melech Hospice House in Florida.

Raymond was born in Ripley on July 6, 1935, to the late William and Leah (Turcotte) Slattery. He graduated from Hancock High School in 1953. He continued on to Michigan Tech, where he graduated with a B.S. Degree in Business Administration in 1958. While at Tech, he was a successful member of the varsity ski team, and he, along with his two brothers, William and James, were very active, influential members within the skiing community for many years.

He began working for The Celotex Corporation in 1958. He had a very long and successful tenure (more than 40 years) with the company, moving about the country to manage various manufacturing plants. His final promotion, manufacturing manager of the foam plastics division, brought him to corporate headquarters in Tampa, where he ultimately retired. He loved his work; he excelled at it; he devoted more than half of his life to it, and, as a result, he was well respected by his many colleagues. 

Throughout his life he remained active with Michigan Tech, sat on school boards, was a certified ski instructor, was active in Lions Clubs International, gave eight years of service to the U.S. Naval Reserve, and devoted endless hours to his golf game, which he enjoyed immensely with his dear friends and family.

He had a great sense of humor and infectious laugh. He had a unique storytelling style, always holding his audience captive. He had a fastidious nature, especially when it came to his house, and he could often be found carrying around a bottle of Windex and a rag. He loved yard work, and he spent numerous hours painstakingly trimming trees and shrubs. He was a special man who will be deeply missed by those who love him.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Slattery is preceded in death by a beloved sister-in-law, Patricia Slattery, loving aunts and uncles, and the mother of his children.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of many years, Darlene (Zabel) Slattery, CA; his son, Timothy P. Slattery, Allouez, MI; his daughter, Leah Slattery Kozden (Eddie), Breingsville, PA; his grandson, who was his pride and joy, Jacob Slattery Kozden, Breinigsville, PA; his two brothers, William (Anastasia) Slattery, Buffalo Grove, IL, and James Slattery, Estero, FL; his nephew, Sean Slattery (Kari), great niece Sophie, Estero, FL; his niece, Shannon Slattery Mussa (Jonathan), great nephews, Dominic and Danny, Buffalo Grove, IL; his stepson, Gary Eusebio (Falicia), step-granddaughter, Gianna, CA; his stepdaughter, Janet Eusebio, step-grandsons, Jeremy and Justin, CA; and many cherished friends, neighbors, and former colleagues.

     Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton with Reverend Father John Martignon to officiate. Friends are asked to join the family at the Bonfire in Houghton with Sebastian (Mike Kriniski) featured as entertainer. The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock is in charge of the arrangements.