Griffin Family

 Tuesday, July 15, we gathered to honor my father. We had a really good gathering. Many of his ward members and dance people attended. In addition, we had us (Becky, Ruth & I), our spouses, our kids and our grandkids. A zoom link was shared so there were some people that were able to attend remotely as well.  It was a warm sunny day and everything went really well.  Life Sketch for Raymond George Laurito Delivered by Shelly Griffin, Rebecca Chase & Ruth Laurito Good morning everyone, Thank you for being here today to honor the life of our father, Raymond George Laurito—a man of quiet strength, humble intellect, and unwavering kindness. I am Shelly Griffin, Ray’s oldest daughter, and my sisters and I are going to share a glimpse of dad's life and some of our fondest memories..  Early Life (Shelly) Dad was born on July 23, 1938, in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. His parents, Nick and Helen, were Italian immigrants who could never have imagined the skilled engine...

Dad's stay at the care center ended up being 35 days. He had a care giver that really connected with him named Michael. Michael cared for him when he was living at home and then came out a couple of times to the care center before he died. He really appreciated those visits and lit up when Michael came to visit and help care for him. I'm thankful that I was able to see him the two weekends about two weeks before he died. He was still able to smile and sit and eat at that time. I'm so glad that Ruth and Becky were able to take the time and spend quite a bit of time with him the last couple of weeks before he died. His condition continued to deteriorate and it was not easy to see him that way and spend so much time there. But my sisters and Suzanne did what they could to make him comfortable at the end.  He was found dead in his bed on the morning of July 10. Rest in peace, Dad. I love you!