Raymond Mack

Of Monroeville, on Friday August 1, 2008, age 84. Beloved husband of the late Anna (Fritzo) Mack; loving father of Cynthia Wratcher and her husband Robert from Monroeville, and David Mack and his wife Linda of Penn Twp.; loving grandfather of Robbie & Lindsay Wratcher and Alex, Brian & Kristen Mack. Raymond Elroy Mack was born on Sept. 5, 1923 in Norristown, PA. and grew up in Philadelphia. He served in the Navy in World War II as an electrician’s mate aboard the USS Solace in the Pacific and witnessed the raising of the American flag atop Mt. Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science for Lafayette College and then studied at the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University to complete his masters and pursue a PhD in Economics. After several years working in Los Angeles for Litton Industries, Ray accepted a position to move back east and become one of the first professors of the newly formed Community College of Allegheny County- Boyce Campus, where he eventually became President of the Teacher’s Union. Ray’s retirement from CCAC in 1995 allowed him time to serve as a volunteer and a full-time grandfather. As a volunteer, he served at the Monroeville Parkinson’s Center, the Pittsburgh Zoo, the Carnegie Science Center, the Beechwood Nature Preserve and St. Vincent DePaul, among others. As a grandfather he rarely ever missed any of his grandchildren’s academic or athletic activities and subsequently was a very familiar face in the stands of Penn-Trafford and Gateway School Districts. Ray was also a member of the North American Martyrs Catholic Church in Monroeville. Family and friends received at the GENE H. CORL INC. FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATION CENTER OF MONROEVILLE, 4335 Northern Pike (1 block East of Mosside Blvd.-Rte. 48) (A Golden Rule Member). Visitation Sunday 7-9 p.m. and Monday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at North American Martyrs Church on Tuesday 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations be made to the American Cancer Society- Southwest Region 320 Bilmar Drive Pittsburgh, PA. 15205-4620. or the Pittsburgh Zoo.