Ray J. Funicelli

Ray J. Funicelli, 78, Altoona, died Monday at his residence. He was born in Dean, Cambria County, son of Fortunato and Margaret (Reghetti) Funicelli. He married Donna Jean Delancey on June 20, 1959, in Altoona. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Betty Lynn Diamond and husband, Joseph, of Altoona; a granddaughter, Alexandra Lynn Diamond; four sisters: Marcella Brown, Dorothy Carl (Jerome), Mary Alice McNulty (Richard) and Betty Ann Sutton (William); a brother, Robert (Rita); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Ilene Detrich; and three brothers: John, Jim and Domenic Funicelli. Ray was a 1950 graduate of Cresson High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Korean War. He retired after many years as a bricklayer with the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local Union 9. Ray was a member of Greenwood United Methodist Church, where he served on many committees and held many positions. He was a lifetime member of Greenwood Volunteer Fire Company, served on the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center advisory board and was a member of the Blair County Farm Bureau. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers football, the Altoona Curve and Pittsburgh Pirates and the Penguins. He also enjoyed working in his yard and especially spending time with his family. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home Inc., Juniata (www.maukandyates.com), and 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 10, 2010, at Greenwood United Methodist Church, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., the Rev. Joe Fleck officiating. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greenwood United Methodist Church.