Raymond S. Vitaitis Jr.

Raymond "Ray" S. Vitaitis, born October 6, 1917, passed away peacefully in his home on November 27, 2021 in the company of family. His parents, Raymond A. and Rose (Alukonis), migrated from Lithuania and settled along with other Lithuanians in South Norwood, MA. Ray was a lifelong resident of Saint John Avenue in South Norwood, only leaving during WWII. Ray was drafted into the US Army in February of 1942, serving overseas in Company A of the 49th Engineer Combat Battalion from June 1943 to October 1945. A patriotic man, Ray kept the "flag up and birds fed" daily. For many decades he brought together family for the Fourth of July for a barbeque and rain-or-shine parade-watching at the end of his street - always dressed in his red, white, and blue plaid pants. He would end the day with the lowering of the flag. Most notable in Ray's life was his devotion to his Catholic faith. Ray attended daily Mass as often as he could at St. George's Church in South Norwood where he served as an usher, and later as a communicant at St. Catherine of Siena of Norwood and St. Mary Catholic Church in East Walpole. After Mass, he enjoyed going out for a meal with relatives - some of his favorite spots were 204, Red Wing and Mug and Muffin - and he always insisted on paying the tab. His family would flock from near and far to celebrate Christmas and Easter at Ray's home, partaking in traditions like egg tapping (a homage to his Lithuanian roots) and a holiday shot of Crown Royal around the kitchen table. No holiday was complete without Ray's favorite kielbasa from Boston Beef and a Hoodsie Cup for dessert. No visit was complete without Ray imparting his go-to one-liners and words of wisdom: "Greetings and Salutations", "A-OK, what can I say?", and "Move Forward". He was "Uncle Ray" to his nieces and nephews, and was lovingly introduced this way to their many friends. Ray loved the outdoors, particularly gardening. He looked forward to sharing his backyard-grown tomatoes and pickled cucumbers with family and friends. Ray would sit in his favorite folding chair in his garage and watch the birds for hours, while also keeping an eye on the mischievous squirrels - and, more recently, the beautiful deer - who discovered his bird feeders. If the Red Sox or Patriots were playing, Ray would have the game on the radio in the background. Ray was predeceased by his sister Anne Memmo and brother-in-law Gerald Memmo of Norwood, MA; and his sister Genevieve Martin and her husband Bernard Martin of Walpole, MA. Ray's memory lives on with his many nieces and nephews whom he lovingly supported and encouraged. Caryl (Memmo) Dooley, wife of late James Dooley (Sagamore Beach, MA); her son Paul Dooley (Birmingham, AL); and her daughter Katelyn and son-in-law Conor Ashe, and their children John and Layla (Millis, MA). Rosemary (Memmo) and Robert Russell (Walpole, MA); their daughter Jenna and son-in-law Jay McLaughlin, and their children Harbour and Brody (Walpole, MA). Gerald and Terry Memmo (Sagamore Beach, MA); their son Chris and daughter-in-law Elise (South Boston, MA); their son Dan and his fiancée Kim Thomas (Quincy, MA); and their daughter Allie and son-in-law Kevin Nee (Sagamore Beach, MA). Loretta (Memmo) Bresette (Bradenton, FL); and her sons Kenny (Dallas, TX) and Michael (New York, NY). Paul and Michelle Memmo (Newnan, GA); and their sons Joseph (Plymouth, MA) and Matthew (Newnan, GA). James Memmo (Norwood, MA). Bernard Martin (North Fort Myers, FL). David Martin (North Attleboro, MA); and his son Gregory and daughter-in-law Merry, and their daughter Caroline (Franklin, MA). Mary Jane (Martin) and Neil Dold (North Attleboro, MA); their daughter Theresa and her fiancé Phil Moldavski (New York, NY); their son Neil and daughter-in-law Caitlin, and their son James (Arlington, VA); and their daughter Emily (Washington, DC). Tim Martin and his wife Mary Ellen Hurley (Norfolk, MA). Ray was a longtime member of the Norwood Lodge of Elks and also a member of the Knights of Columbus where many friendships were made. Ray lived independently but was additionally supported by visiting nurses and kind neighbors who also would brighten his day and lend a hand. His family is thankful for the care and support from all these people and many other friends. Visiting hours at the Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home,1248 Washington St. Norwood, MA, are Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Funeral services will be at the Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Catholic Church, East Walpole at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Highland Cemetery, Norwood. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Raymond's memory may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, 176 Washington St, East Walpole, MA 02032; the Pine Street Inn; or a charity of your choice.