Raymond William Kingston

Raymond "Ray" William Kingston, 88, of 13892 Leslie Rd., Meadville, passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at Meadville Medical Center.

Ray was born in Vienna, OH on August 21, 1927, a son of the late Clayton and Matilda (Williams) Kingston.

On April 7, 1951 Ray married Esther C. Cervone; she survives.

He was a member of St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church where he had also been a member of the former Holy Name Society and had served as an usher. In his younger years Ray established the first Boy Scout Troop at St. Mary's where he served as Scout Master.

In the late 1980's Ray retired from the former PPG Industries when he had been employed in the Maintenance Department. He had previously been employed by the former Sunbeam Equipment and
F.M.C. A veteran of the US Navy, Ray entered active duty on June 6, 1946 and served his country honorably until his discharge on April 2, 1948. He served as a certified firefighter on the USS Robert H. McCard (DD-822) and the USS New (DD-818). He was the recipient of the WW II Victory Medal. He was a 1946 graduate of Cambridge Springs High School.

An active and dedicated life member of West Mead II Volunteer Fire Department for more than 35 years, Ray was a former Trustee and former President. He had also served as President of the West Mead II Volunteer Fire Department Social Club. For many years Ray volunteered as a Crawford County Fire Policeman where he served as Captain in 1997 and was honored as the Crawford County Fire Policeman of the Year in 2001. Ray was also a member of the Elks Club BPO #219, of Meadville, the Meadville Sportsmans Club and a former member of the Sportsman Council. His hobbies included gardening, bowling with his league, hunting, fishing, especially for pike in the backwoods of Canada, ice fishing, trapping and shooting skeet with his team. He enjoyed going to the casinos, taking cruises and extensive traveling, having visited all 50 states as well as Mexico, Canada and several European countries.

In addition to his wife, Esther, of 64 years, Ray is survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by an infant son Clayton Ray Kingston, a sister and five brothers.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, January 31, from 2-6 at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville, where a Scripture Service will be held at 5:45.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church, 1085 Water St., Meadville, at 10:30 AM on Monday, February 1, with Fr. Johnathan Schmolt, Pastor, officiating.

Following Full Military Honors by VFW Post #2006, Ray will be laid to rest in St. Brigid Cemetery, West Mead Twp.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com