MATTOON, Raymond J.

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Monday, April 28, 2003 Raymond J. Mattoon, born January 20, 1918 in Springfield, Massachusetts passed away on April 26, 2003 in Sun City, Arizona at age 85. Ray was a World War II veteran having served in England as a Bombardier/Navigator with the 36th Bomb Squadron of the 8th US Army Air Corp. Retiring to Sun City West from Easthampton, MA in 1986 with his wife Clara. Ray is survived by his wife Clara of 54 years. He is also survived by his daughters, Leslie Ann Sheret of Belchertown, MA, Sharon L. DeFelice of Springfield Mass., as well as his sons, Steven D. Mattoon of Wyoming and Christopher J. Mattoon of Boston, MA. He is also survived by 2 granddaughters, Heather A. Fay of Belchertown, MA, and Lisa DeFelice of Warren, MA as well as grandson, Bill DeFelice of Springfield, MA., and three great granddaughters in Mass. Ray worked as a Staff Price Analyst for the US Air Force in missile procurement contracting prior to retirement in 1980. Ray graduated from Bentley School of Accounting and Finance in Massachusetts as well as the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He was awarded the Air Medal during World War II. He belonged to the National Association of Cost Accountants, and was a long time volunteer with Indian Guides and Boy Scouts. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Redlands, California, and a member of the Board of Deacons at that church. While a member of First United Church of Christ Congregational in South Hadley, Mass. during the late 1990's, Ray was a member of the Mission Committee and established and ran their food bank. He was also the first person to volunteer at the Western Mass Food Bank when it was established in 1981. He was most recently a member of the Shepherd of The Hills United Methodist Church in Sun City West, AZ. He was an avid hiker, fisherman, and outdoorsman. He was a long time member of the hiking group of Sun City West's Sportsman's Club as well as Treasure of the Rock Hounds West organization. Ray equally enjoyed hiking, fishing and exploring the hills of Western Massachusetts as well as the dirt roads and trails of the Arizona desert with his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations can be made to either Sun Cities 4 Paws Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 426, Youngtown, AZ 85363 or the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Memorial service Wednesday, April 30th, 3:30 pm at Shepherd of The Hills United Methodist Church, 13658 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West, AZ. Courtesy of Pat Wilson. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Tuesday, April 29, 2003 Raymond J. "Ray" Mattoon, 85, Sun City West, passed away April 26, 2003. Military Services: U.S. Army Air Corp. WWII Veteran. Services on Wednesday April 30, 2003 at 3:30 PM at Shepherd Of The Hills U.M.C. 13658 Meeker Blvd. Sun City West, AZ. Contributions to 4 Paws Animal Rescue P.O. Box 426 Youngtown, AZ 85363. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.