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Ray J. 'Skinch' Frederick, 84, of Belle Vernon, passed away Saturday, September 27, 2008 in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. A man who loved his country, his community and his family, he was prideful of his ancestry, was a staunch Democrat, union proud, knew the value of hard work, and was deeply religious. He was born January 5, 1924 in Belle Vernon, the third son of the late Spera and Flora Tintori Frederick (Federici). He had four brothers and two sisters. His brothers Roger, Roland and Jordan are deceased. His brother, William Frederick of Belle Vernon and sisters, Myrna Markham and Lorraine Frederick survive. He endured the rigors of battle in the US Army during World War II for 46 months in the European theater of operations. It was an experience that left an indelible mark on him. His brothers Roger, Roland and Jordan served in the Pacific theater during World War II. Brother William served in the Korean War. Upon his return from the service he married Fosca Ferrari, daughter of the late Ferrante and Maria Sichi Ferrari, on August 24, 1946. His beloved wife died May 2, 1987. He never has gotten over that great loss in his life. Fosca's sister Deanna Sergi and her brother Fosco Ferrari and his wife Frances survive. His two children are Mark and Mara. He lost his daughter Mara in 1957. Mark married Karen Louise Jarvis and has three sons, Raymond, Patrick and his wife Lisa, and Michael and dearest companion, Angie DeSimone. His great-grandchildren whom survive are Brittany Lynn Berger and Nikki Rae and John Cole Frederick whose mother, Kathy Frederick was very special to him. Karen's parents, Alma Jarvis and John Jarvis were dear friends of his. John preceded him on January 1, 2008. He has numerous nieces and nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews. He ardently loved his entire family. He was truly blessed with many quality friends. His professions were baker and underground coal miner. He retired from US Steel's Maple Creek Mine in 1986. He was a member of St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church. His entire life was spent in Belle Vernon, a community that meant everything to him. He was serving his 35th year on council and was in his 67th year as a member of Belle Vernon Fire Company # 2, Station 4, where he was head trustee. He belonged to the Belle Vernon American Legion Post 659, was a lifetime member of the Italian Beneficial Society and the East Belle Vernon Athletic Club, coached baseball with his son for two years, was a member of the Holy Name Society and Knights' of Columbus, played in the Drum and Bugle Corps for Station 4, sang in the choir at his church for over 30 years, was a Meals on Wheels volunteer for over 15 years, was a long time usher at his church, pitched for the fire hall's softball team, was a passionate bocce player and could really blow up a tune on his harmonica. He worked to the end, still baking two days a week at Valdiserri's Bakery. He will be immensely missed by his family. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 P.M. Monday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 P.M. Tuesday in the Ferguson Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. (724-929-5300), 700 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon, www.FergusonFuneralHomeAndCrematory.com. A blessing service will be in the funeral home on Wednesday at 9:30 A.M. followed by a funeral mass in St. Sebastian R.C. Church at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. Lawrence Manchas, VF, as celebrant. Interment will be in Belle Vernon Cemetery. The American Legion will meet in the funeral home to hold services on Monday at 7 P.M. The rosary will be prayed in the funeral home on Tuesday at 3 P.M. and at 7 P.M., the Belle Vernon Fire Company # 2 will conduct services. The family asks that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to Belle Vernon Fire Company #2 in his name.

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Ray J. Frederick

January 5, 1924 - September 27, 2008