Raymond C. Metti

Wickliffe resident Raymond Charles Metti, 74, passed away February 6, 2023, at Euclid Hospital after a brief illness.  He was born in September, 1948, to Raymond and Leona (Knesebeck) Metti, who predeceased him. Ray started school in Cleveland, but later graduated in 1966 from Wickliffe High School.

Raymond retired in 2017 from U.S. Bulk Transport where he was the Data Processing Manager for many years, working from home long before it became popular.

Loving all things athletic, Ray supported the Cleveland teams through thick and thin, whether they deserved it or not.  As a younger man, Ray played rugby with the Cleveland Blues and Forest City Rugby Clubs.  If that wasn’t thrilling enough, he also enjoyed sky-diving until marriage put the brakes on that activity.  Later, he played softball for many years and could be found coaching his daughters from T-ball to middle school and later loved to watch them compete in tennis and swimming as well.  He also personally enjoyed morning swims at the Willoughby YMCA until recently.

But perhaps what most clearly defined Ray was his sense of service and giving to others.  He rose through the ranks in Boy Scouts, enjoying camping locally and at Philmont and earned Eagle Scout status in high school.  Ray was a long-time blood donor to the American Red Cross, donating over 18 gallons. Not to be forgotten is Ray’s unselfish service to his country. In 1967, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and was sent to serve in the DMZ in Korea.  After his retirement, Ray became a driver for the Lake County Meals on Wheels program, delivering food from the Wickliffe Center to home-bound clients.

Still, Ray gave most to his family and friends.  He was the cherished husband of Margaret (Mohar) Metti for 46 years.  Together, they raised loving, capable daughters Allison (Aengus) Barry and Christine (Joshua) Blanton. He respected and loved his sons-in-law for the care they take of his “girls.” Ray was the beloved big brother of Audrey (Timothy) Moore and brother-in-law of Robert (LuAnn) Mohar.  He was also the respected son-in-law of Alice Mohar, and Uncle Rick to Leigh-ann (Ron) Hay and Melissa (Sean) Brady.  But what brought enormous joy to his heart and soul is the mini-clan of six grandchildren: Katherine, Adrian, James, Aidan, David, and Claire, who never ceased to amuse and amaze him, each in turn and in their own way.  He was indeed their proud and loving “Tata.”

In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully suggests a donation in Ray’s memory to The Wounded Warriors at support.woundedwarriorsproject.org or by mail to 600 River Ave. Suite 400 Pittsburgh, PA 15212.  If wishing to donate at the local level, please consider the Lake County Council on Aging for Meals on Wheels.  Website is lccoa.org; address is 8520 East Ave. Mentor, OH  44060.   A third generous and life-giving option would be to donate a pint of blood to the American Red Cross.

Celebration of Life Service Friday, February 10, 2023 at 5:30 PM at the Funeral Home. Cremation following by DeJohn Crematory. Inurnment will take place with Military Honors at Dayton National Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Ray at THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91 FRIDAY 2 – 5:30 PM.