Blazina , Raymond Charles
Raymond passed away peacefully with his cherished wife and children by his side on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. After recently celebrating his 80th birthday and the birth of his fourth great grandchild, Raymond began his journey to heaven where he will be greeted by family and friends. Undoubtedly, heaven will celebrate the arrival of this wonderful man. Preceded in death by his father, Stephen Blazina; mother and stepfather, Mildred (Robert) Ruzic; brothers, Stephen and Donald Blazina; sister and brother-in-law, Marion (Joseph) Kirin; best friend, James Landa; and beloved family and friends. Survived by his loving wife of 60 years Barbara (Blalock) Blazina; daughters, Debbie Blazina and Suzie (Dave) Kairis; son, Steve (Shannon) Blazina; grandchildren, Wes (Tabitha), Raquel (Dan), Michael, Marcus, Austin, Ashley, Stephen; great grandchildren, Rylee, Brayden, Declan, Raelyn; adoring aunt, Irene Nelsen; brother Robert (Annie) Ruzic; and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Born in his home, Raymond was a devoted lifelong resident of Lyons, Illinois. Raymond’s favorite restaurant for 36 years was P J Klem’s. He loved the Klementos family and was very fond of his favorite waitresses as well as meeting his friends for breakfast. Raymond’s family is grateful for the love and attention PJ’s gave him. As a young man, Raymond had many jobs until he was employed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Raymond’s hard work promoted him to a construction technical engineer. After 39 years of dedicated service, Raymond retired with many accolades and certificates of achievement. Raymond’s treasured FAA friendships continued long past his retirement. Raymond served St. Hugh Catholic Church as head usher for over 50 years, organized bingo, and chaired a capital campaign. The Archdiocese of Chicago honored Raymond and his wife, Barbara, with the Christifidelis for their service and dedication to St. Hugh. Raymond was elated to receive the award from the Honorable Bishop Blaise Cupich (Croatian). Raymond was proud of his Croatian heritage and friends. Raymond passed with a heart full of love and wonderful memories of his family, friends, and all those who touched his life. He knew the true meaning of love, compassion, forgiveness, and charity. Raymond would be extremely grateful for the love and support his family received as they mourned losing him. Special thanks to Dr. Mary Ann Emanuale, Dr. Daniel Sisbarro, Loyola Medical Center, and MacNeal Hospital for their compassionate care. Visitation Monday, February 8 3 to 8 p.m. Funeral Services and prayers will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 beginning at 9:30 a.m. from The Tower Home for Funerals, 4007 Joliet Avenue, Lyons, Illinois 60534 to St. Hugh Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. The church requires attendees to register, wear a mask, and abide by social distancing guidelines. TowerLyons.com
Memorials: St. Hugh Catholic Church (7939 W 43rd Street, Lyons, IL 60534); American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org).
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