Raymond R. DeCecco

Raymond Robert DeCecco

It is with great sadness that the family of Raymond Robert DeCecco announces his passing on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Margaret L. (Peggy) Chisnell DeCecco; daughters, Debi DeCecco (Don Trotter) of Hackett’s Cove, Nova Scotia, CA and Denise (Malik) Wyrick of West Hartford, CT; grandchildren, Chase and Jade Wyrick; brother, James of Apollo, PA, and many beloved friends and extended family.

Ray was a devoted husband, father, and gramps. He was also a fierce protector, avid outdoorsman, astute businessman, and civic-minded neighbor. Everyone who knew him is a better person for having known him.

Ray was born on August 5, 1940 in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Louis and Emma (Franco) DeCecco and attended Franklin Regional High School in Murraysville, PA. He and Peggy started dating after dancing together at a high school-college dance party hosted at the Burke Glen Amusement Park in Monroeville, PA. They married on December 20, 1961.

Ray and Peggy founded Air Technology, Inc. in their basement, and grew it into a very successful enterprise, which they sold 20 years later.

Ray loved to hunt, fish, golf, and watch sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys. He taught Jade and Chase how to fish, and in doing so, passed on his love of fishing and the outdoors. He went on annual survival trips with his buddy, Jack Sherry and brother-in-law, David Chisnell. After those weekends, he returned with many adventurous tales, the veracity of which are not all confirmed.

As a consummate entertainer, Ray could always weave a spellbinding story, tell a hilarious joke, bake or barbeque a glorious feast, or mix a perfect cocktail.

Ray supported Debi and Denise in their sports and coached several of their softball and baseball teams. He never missed a game, despite running his own company.

He loved his dog, Spike, whom he talked to and about as if he were human.

Over the years, he lived in Sardis, PA; Madison, CT; Myrtle Beach, SC; and finally, Butler, PA.

A memorial service to honor Ray’s life will be held on Saturday, March 25 at 11:00 AM at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church , 330 Hannahstown Rd, Cabot, PA 16023. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Luke’s Lutheran School.

Arrangements are under the direction of McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home Inc. Mars,Pennsylvania,