Wickliffe resident Raymond Charles Metti, 74, passed away February 6, 2023, at Euclid Hospital after a brief illness. He was born in September, 1948, to Raymond and Leona (Knesebeck) Metti, who predeceased him. Ray started school in Cleveland, but later graduated in 1966 from Wickliffe High School.
Raymond retired in 2017 from U.S. Bulk Transport where he was the Data Processing Manager for many years, working from home long before it became popular.
Loving all things athletic, Ray supported the Cleveland teams through thick and thin, whether they deserved it or not. As a younger man, Ray played rugby with the Cleveland Blues and Forest City Rugby Clubs. If that wasn’t thrilling enough, he also enjoyed sky-diving until marriage put the brakes on that activity. Later, he played softball for many years and could be found coaching his daughters from T-ball to middle school and later loved to watch them compete in tennis and swimming as well. He also personally enjoyed morning swims at the Willoughby YMCA until recently.
But perhaps what most clearly defined Ray was his sense of service and giving to others. He rose through the ranks in Boy Scouts, enjoying camping locally and at Philmont and earned Eagle Scout status in high school. Ray was a long-time blood donor to the American Red Cross, donating over 18 gallons. Not to be forgotten is Ray’s unselfish service to his country. In 1967, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and was sent to serve in the DMZ in Korea. After his retirement, Ray became a driver for the Lake County Meals on Wheels program, delivering food from the Wickliffe Center to home-bound clients.
Still, Ray gave most to his family and friends. He was the cherished husband of Margaret (Mohar) Metti for 46 years. Together, they raised loving, capable daughters Allison (Aengus) Barry and Christine (Joshua) Blanton. He respected and loved his sons-in-law for the care they take of his “girls.” Ray was the beloved big brother of Audrey (Timothy) Moore and brother-in-law of Robert (LuAnn) Mohar. He was also the respected son-in-law of Alice Mohar, and Uncle Rick to Leigh-ann (Ron) Hay and Melissa (Sean) Brady. But what brought enormous joy to his heart and soul is the mini-clan of six grandchildren: Katherine, Adrian, James, Aidan, David, and Claire, who never ceased to amuse and amaze him, each in turn and in their own way. He was indeed their proud and loving “Tata.”
In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully suggests a donation in Ray’s memory to The Wounded Warriors at support.woundedwarriorsproject.org or by mail to 600 River Ave. Suite 400 Pittsburgh, PA 15212. If wishing to donate at the local level, please consider the Lake County Council on Aging for Meals on Wheels. Website is lccoa.org; address is 8520 East Ave. Mentor, OH 44060. A third generous and life-giving option would be to donate a pint of blood to the American Red Cross.
Celebration of Life Service Friday, February 10, 2023 at 5:30 PM at the Funeral Home. Cremation following by DeJohn Crematory. Inurnment will take place with Military Honors at Dayton National Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Ray at THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91 FRIDAY 2 – 5:30 PM.
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Marsha Knauss
I was deeply saddened by the passing of Ray. May you be comforted by the great memories that the family shares.
Debbie Petrick
A life well lived. May Ray rest in eternal peace. My deepest sympathy to Ray’s lovely family.
Keith &Kathy Coolick
Maggie, Allison, Christine, Our sincerest condolences on your great loss. We are diminished by losing Ray. I cannot name anyone else who could match him for steadfastness, loyalty, and especially generosity. May you find comfort in the days ahead from your family and friends.
Rodger
I was blessed to know Ray for all of these many years. To share in his kindness. To know his love for his family. To see the twinkle in his eyes when remembering even the smallest hint of his life with Maggie. He made me a better person! I will miss him every day of my life.
dan maxson
Met Ray only a handful of times throughout the years but I had the honor of teaching with his wife and being the teacher to both of his daughters. Despite only brief encounters, his love and generosity could be witnessed in all things Metti family-wise.
Dan
Euclid Central
Dave Datsko
I’m so sorry for your loss. Ray and I attended basic training together at Fort Knox in 1968. His bunk was right above mine
I graduated in 1967 from WHS. We had a chance meeting several years later at a rugby tournament in Ann Arbor, MI where we caught up again. I was playing on the Kent State University team.
Sounds like he had a wonderful family and will be greatly missed. My condolences.
Bob and Carol Palle
Dear Josh, Christine, and family and friends,
Carol and I, and the whole Blonder Tongue family offer our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to all of you on the passing of Ray. May he rest in peace.
John Dwors
Dear Maggie and Family, So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Ray had such a positive influence on me. Ray always was fun to be with and he was a man that knew what the right thing was and he did it. The first thing I think of when remembering Ray was his love for Maggie and his family. I will miss my dear friend. John Dwors
Lou Tomasi
To the family of Ray Metti:
My deepest sympathy to you at this time on the death of your husband and father.
Paul E. Nielsen
I think Shakespeare may have described Ray best when he wrote:
“What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form and moving how express and admirable in action, how like an angel in apprehension, how like a god.” You and your family are in our thoughts.
Sandy Freeman
I have known Ray (AKA Rick) for most of my life: first, as Audrey’s brother, then as my softball coach, finally, as Maggie’s husband. I couldn’t believe when my mom and Lee Metti conspired to fix up Ray and Maggie. Who knew it would end in marriage! I loved talking Cleveland sports with Ray. I will forever cherish the memories of our trip together to Hawaii. Ray was kind and caring, full of fun, and devoted to his family. I will miss him. My love to Maggie, Allison, Christine, and Audrey and their families.
Edward Zovack
Maggie, Allison and Christine:
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your husband and father. I had the good fortune to be able to work with Maggie and the privilege of having Allison and Christine as students. It was apparent that Ray had a profound effect on your family, and I know you will miss him terribly.
Joseph Greene
All of us at the Wickliffe Meals on Wheels office were greatly saddened to hear of Ray’s passing. What an outstanding gentleman he was. Our deep condolence to his family and friends. may he rest in peace.