Raymond R. Cattoi

Boardman - Raymond R. Cattoi, 87, of Boardman, died Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at his residence. Mr. Cattoi was born Friday, April 29, 1921 in Pittsburgh, a son of Adrian and Amelia Daw Cattoi. He worked as an electrician for Youngstown Sheet and Tube for 37 years, before his retirement in 1972. He taught electrical engineering at Youngstown State University where he received an honorary degree. Mr. Cattoi had a deep appreciation for nature. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He enjoyed walking and running in Mill Creek Park and also ran in several local marathons. He had his pilotâa�a��s license and enthusiastically shared this hobby with his brother. He was a self-taught handyman who had unbelievable skills for fixing anything he put his mind to. Above all, he loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He taught them how to swim, garden, ride bikes, and how to fix just about anything that was broken. His great-grandchildren especially got a kick out of the fact that he taught them how to play poker. He was a great teacher to all who knew him. He leaves his wife of 65 years, the former Betty Eckman, whom he married March 11, 1943; one daughter, Jeri (Richard) Neff of Boardman; three grandchildren, Shari (John) Zackasee of Boardman, Erin (Ted) Conway of Boardman, and Shannon (John) Smith of New Middletown; six great-grandchildren, Alexa, Brooke, Samantha, Billy, Teddy and Evan; two sisters, Pearl Gieda of Philadelphia, Pa. and Dee Jaye Smith of Boardman; one sister-in-law, Joy Henry of Austintown; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Adrian, Albert, Bucky and Ron Cattoi; and two sisters, Edna Durish and Evelyn Shedlock. Family and friends will be received Saturday from 1-2 p.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, Struthers, where a memorial service in honor of his life will follow at 2 p.m. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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