Shrewsbury – Raymond Joseph Grimaldo Sr., 85, passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013 at home, surrounded by his family.
Ray was born July 31, 1927 in Worcester to parents Anna Marie (Fazio) and Francesco Annunziato Grimaldo. His parents died at a young age and he was then supported and loved by his siblings and other family members.
Just a young boy, he became a shoe shiner at Union Station in Worcester, and was one of the people honored at the reopening of the station in July 2000. As a teenager, he became an electrician's apprentice and then started Better Electric Co. Inc. in Worcester, at the age of 21. Sixty-five years later, his company is still thriving in its original location on Grafton Street.
Besides spending time at his summer home in Dennis and working at his store, the one thing that made Ray the happiest in life was being with his wife and family, all of whom absolutely adored him. He served as a Reserve Deputy Sherriff for many years, was a loyal member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, and was recently recognized for being the longest sponsor of Jack Barry Little League.
He leaves his loving wife of 62 years, Angelina (DeMango) Grimaldo of Shrewsbury; two sons, Raymond Grimaldo Jr., his wife Andreana Grimaldo, and their three daughters, Alicia and Allison Grimaldo of Shrewsbury, and Amy Grimaldo and her fiancé, Jason Panagiotou, of Worcester, and Joseph Grimaldo, his wife Ruane Grimaldo, and their four children Joseph, Alexandra, Samantha, and Nicolas all of Marlborough; and two daughters, Anna (Grimaldo) Rosi, her husband David Rosi and their daughter Andrea Rosi, all of Northborough, and their son Matthew Rosi and his wife Christina Rosi of Littleton, and Angela (Grimaldo) Exarchos, her husband Dr. Aristides Exarchos and their children Anastasia and Elias Exarchos all of Shrewsbury. He leaves his brother, William Grimaldo and his wife Rita, and a sister, Carol (Grimaldo) Sclamo, and was pre-deceased by his sister, Loretta (Grimaldo) Roy, and his brothers, Albert Grimaldi and Joseph Grimaldi. He was blessed with many nieces, nephews, and friends, and was pre-deceased by nephews Richard Grimaldo and Francis Grimaldi.
His family would especially like to recognize the selfless care that was given to him by Leawood Emmerton P.A., Jessica Mantha, and VNACare Hospice of Southborough.
Ray's family and friends will all miss his compassion, loyalty, and devotion to his work and his family. He was loved and respected by all who knew him.
His funeral will be held Thursday, Jan. 17 from MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, with a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt Carmel – St Ann Church of Worcester. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Wednesday, Jan. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Renovation Fund, 24 Mulberry St., Worcester, MA 01605 or the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241.
