Raymond Fiorelli

Raymond "Ray" Fiorelli, devoted husband, beloved father and grandfather, dedicated educator, snazzy dresser, and uncredited inventor of the Dad Joke passed away on February 11, 2025 at UPMC Hamot.

A lifelong Erie resident, Ray was born August 7, 1942 to Raymond and Rose (DiCarlo) Fiorelli. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother Ron Fiorelli. Ray graduated from Cathedral Prep and Gannon University before earning a Masters Degree in Education from Fredonia State University. He dedicated 35 years to the Erie School District - specifically, Strong Vincent, Irving, and Jefferson - working his way up through the ranks of teacher, assistant principal, principal, and director of curriculum before retiring in 2001. Not one to be idle for too long, Ray then worked for Mercyhurst University as a supervisor of student teaching.

It was at Gannon, friends recall, that Ray met the love of his life, Patti Fiorelli, who passed away on October 14, 2024. Patti caught his eye at the Home Drive In, and to hear Ray tell it, it was love at first sight. It took some convincing for Patti to eventually pass on her phone number, but once she did Ray was happy to show her off at all the Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity parties. They started dancing at those APD parties and didn't stop through 58 years of marriage. In addition to dancing, Ray and Patti traveled the world and never missed the opportunity to snag tickets to a concert or show. He treasured the annual family trips to DelMonte in the Pines in Ontario, Canada. Ray's passing leaves his friends and family with an unfillable void, their sadness comforted only by the knowledge that he and Patti are reunited. It is not lost on anyone lucky enough to know this couple that they were simply not destined to be apart.

Family was his greatest joy; Ray is survived by children Mike, Brian (Lisa), Marc (Leah), RJ (Heather), and Mary Marnella (Matt), and grandchildren, Mitchell, Colin, Isabella, Jacob, Grace, Sam, Ella, Juliana, Ben, Eva, Aidan, Lucia, and Mia, who confirm he missed neither a sporting event nor the opportunity to take nap; and only occasionally would these two hobbies intersect, though Ray would insist he was just resting his eyes.

Ray doted on his community nearly as much as his family, with a resume of volunteer jobs to rival a saint. A Jack of all trades, at various times Ray served as a youth soccer coach, newspaper peddler, volunteer firefighter, Boy Scout Den Leader, block party coordinator, Caring Place volunteer, and Eucharistic Minister, among many other roles. Available to lend a hand any time, any place, Ray left a legacy of kindness and empathy. He embodied the words he shared with his students as he made his daily announcements to the school, "And remember, let's be nice to one another."

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, 2122 Raspberry Street, on Sunday, February 16th, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and may attend a Funeral Mass on Monday, February 17th, at 11 a.m. at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 130 East 4th Street. Burial will be private at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ray's name to the Sister Mary Pascal Gray, SSJ. Food Pantry, c/o Saint Patrick Parish, 130 East 4th St., Erie, PA 16507.