Raymond H. Deraway, 68
CLARKSBURG, Mass. - Raymond Harold "Butch" Deraway, 68, of Hudson Brook Lane died Saturday, June 15, 2013, at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in North Adams on Sept. 3, 1944, a son of Raymond and Margaret Felix Deraway, he attended the former St. Joseph's High School in North Adams and graduated from St. Charles' High School in Rhode Island.
He was a member of the Massachusetts National Guard.
Mr. Deraway was employed as an ironworker and crane operator for most of his life. At an early age, he worked at General Steel Co., which was owned by his father and later for Farrell & Gregory Steel Co. He also was a supervisor for Burt Crane and Rigging Co. He and his former wife also owned and operated a farm in Hawley and he was coâ€'owner of Birds Diner.
He loved spending time with family and friend and enjoyed going to the family camp on Sacandaga Lake in New York. He loved water skiing, excelled in speed skating and was known for his humor and storytelling. He was a devoted father and grandfather.
He was a communicant of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in North Adams.
He leaves his wife, the former Elizabeth Hoffman, whom he married Nov. 19, 1994; two daughters, Patricia Deraway Galusha of Clarksburg and Lynn Deraway of Hawley; two sons, Robert Deraway of Hawley and Craig Deraway of Clarksburg; four sisters, Diane Gregalis and her husband, Donald, of Palm City, Fla., Marcia Swenson and her husband, Christopher, of Mississippi, Cheryl Martin and her husband, Raymond, of Bennington, Vt., and Pamela Pearson and her husband, Russell, of North Adams; a brother, David Deraway and his wife, Bonnie, of Clarksburg, nine grandchildren and his former wife and dear friend, Susan Haun Deraway of Hawley.
Another daughter died at birth.
FUNERAL NOTICE - Funeral services will take place Thursday, June 20, at 10:15 a.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 from St. Elizabeth's Church in North Adams. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery.
Calling hours will be Wednesday, June 19, from 4 to 7 at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested for charity of donor's choice through the funeral home.