Kenneth A. Raina, 72
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - Kenneth Aldo Raina, 72, of 237 Katsura Drive, Kennett Square, Pa., a native of North Adams, died peacefully Thursday, June 4, 2009, at Neighborhood Hospice in Westchester, Pa., surrounded by his family following a valiant battle with cancer.
Born July 24, 1936, son of Andrea "Lino" and Beatrice Piaggi Raina, he attended schools in North Adams, graduating from Drury High School in 1954 He graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1958 and received a master's degree in electrical engineering from Northeastern University.
Mr. Raina was employed by UNISYS Computer in Malvern, Pa., for about seven years until his retirement in 2007. Before that, he worked for Digital Equiptment Co. in Maynard for about 20 years.
He had been a communicant of the former St. Anthony of Padua Church while residing in North Adams. He enjoyed gardening and reading about history. He family said he was a beloved husband, brother and friend to all who knew him, and he was a positive role model. Mr. Raina was also an optimist, and it was his optimism that propelled him through a difficult year and inspired his loved ones so much.
He and his wife, the former Tamy Sullivan, were married July 1, 1967, in St. Anthony's Church.
Besides his wife, he leaves his loving mother-in-law, Mary Breda Sullivan of North Adams; a brother, Donald Raina of Fairfield, Calif.; two sisters, Arlene Zappone of North Adams and Gail Pinsonneault of Bennington, Vt., and many nieces, nephews, cousins and an extensive network of close personal friends.
FUNERAL NOTICE - A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Mr. Raina will be celebrated Tuesday, June 9, at 11 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in North Adams. Burial will be in Southview Cemetery.
Calling hours at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, will be Monday, June 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.