John Larry Raschella
KEYSER, W.Va.
– John Larry Raschella, 84, of Rt. 5, Box
279, Keyser, died Wed, April 9, 2008, at Kindred
Hospital, Green Cove Springs, FL. Born March 7, 1924, in Keyser, he was the son
of the late Domenick L. and Carmella D. (Pezzanite)
Raschella. He was also preceded in death
by three brothers, Jimmy, Larry and Frank A. Raschella.
He was a retired financial officer at
Potomac State College and Shepherd
University where he
played a vital role in the physical expansion and beautification of the
campuses, and was instrumental in the eyes of many students in their attending
college and in achieving loans to do so.
After retirement and until death, he served as a private accountant in
Keyser. John was a graduate of Keyser High School
and Frostburg State University
with a Masters degree in Business. He was
a WWII US Air Corp veteran, a member of the Church of
the Assumption, Assumption Council 10545 Knights of Columbus,
and a member of the Queen’s Point VFW 6775, McCoole, MD.
Throughout his life, John was active in
many capacities in the community: leading a pack of the Boy Scouts of America, leader
and teacher for CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine), served as chairman
of the United Way, member of the Keyser Rotary Club, member of the Keyser
bowling league, and an active member of the “BS College” at Calemine’s
Shoe Shop. John was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed fishing trips with
his family members and friends. His love
for his family, friends and fellowman will be impossible to replace.
He is survived by his loving wife
of 61 years, Frances Louise (Lambert) Raschella. Four devoted children: Janet Waters & husband Byron of Green
Cove Springs, FL, Domenick “Mickey” & wife Colleen of Roanoke, VA, Pat Osti
& husband Manfred of Charleston, SC and Christopher Raschella and wife
Terri of Cleveland, OH. Sister Rosemarie
Myers & husband Robert and Sister-in-law Dottie Raschella of
Keyser. Eleven admiring grandchildren: Cassandra Pike, Christina Oliver, John Waters, Randy Waters, Nicola Raschella, Brian
Raschella, Melissa Osti, Andrew Osti, Neal Osti, Ashley Raschella &
Christopher Raschella. Six
Great-grandchildren: Carter Pike, Trevor
Pike, Brody Pike, Delina Oliver, Payton Raschella, Emily Raschella. He also is survived by a number of nieces and
nephews.
Friends and family will be received at
the Markwood Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, from 6-9 pm. A Christian Wake Service will be held at the
funeral home on Tuesday, at 6:30 pm. Mass
of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Assumption Church,
Keyser, on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at 10:30 am with the Rev. Ivan M. Lebar,
T.O.R. as
Celebrant. Interment will be in St. Thomas Cemetery, Keyser with military honors.
If desired, memorial contributions may be
made to Sacred Heart Hospital,
Oncology Dept., 900
Seton Drive, Cumberland, MD 21502.
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