Raymond Lotko Sr., 88, Served in the European Theatre as a Bomber

Raymond E. Lotko Sr., 88 of Avon Lake formerly of Lakewood passed away quietly at his home, Friday, Dec. 23, 2011 after a lengthy illness.

He was born Feb. 17, 1923 in Pittsburgh and lived in Avon Lake the past 60 years.

After graduation from Lakewood High School, Mr. Lotko joined the United States Army Air Corp serving in the European Theatre at the rank of sergeant as a parachute rigger and bomber. When he returned from the service in 1945, he worked for a time in the audit department for the Internal Revenue Service and then began his career with Cleveland Illuminating Electric (CEI) Company. He worked for CEI for 37 years retiring in 1986 as a construction maintenance manager in charge of safety.

Lotko was a member of , Avon Lake and a founding member of the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Regan Council in Avon. With the K of C, he volunteered at Our Lady of the Wayside and worked dinners and raffles. He also served as a precinct committeeman in Avon Lake and was a member of the Avon Lake VFW.

He was an avid bowler participating in several leagues. In his spare time he enjoyed playing cards with member of the K of C and he played banjo.

Mr. Lotko is survived by daughters Linda Lotko of Avon Lake; Janice Bush of Buena Park, CA; Mary Elaine Brittain of Jamestown, RI; son Raymond E. Lotko Jr. of Sheffield Lake; nephew Walter David Junovich of Avon Lake; four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; brother Michael J. Lotko II of Elyria; cousins Rita Dunlevy of Kent; Barbara Keane of Pennsylvania, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 36 years Marie (nee Gradel) in 1986, parents Michael J. and Hazel M. (nee Keane) Lotko Sr., brother Jack Lotko and aunt Enaize Kelliker.

Friends may call at the , 163 Avon-Belden Rd., Avon Lake, Thursday, Jan. 5 from 1 p.m. -3 p.m.

A memorial Mass will be Friday at , 32929 Lake Rd., Avon Lake, at 10 a.m.  Fr. Timothy J. O'Connor will officiate.

Interment is at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery Friday at 2:30 p.m. Memorials may be forwarded to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Information courtesy of Busch Funeral Home