Raymond N. Vaccaro of East Tawas passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011 at Lakeview Manor Healthcare Center in Tawas City, age 82. Ray was born on Sept. 21, 1929 in White Plains, N.Y. to Nicholas A. and Lena (nee Thompson) Vaccaro. He was the former owner of the Mutual Building Maintenance Company for 50 years. Ray had many interests in life, however, he truly loved spending time with his family. He will be always remembered for his passion of the north woods, coin collecting, gun collecting, playing scrabble, cards, watching old movies, his dogs, Toby and Nora Lee, and very importantly, his allegiance to the Detroit Lions Football team. Ray proudly served our country during the Korean War as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. During his loyal service to our nation, Ray bravely received the honors of the Korean War Service Medal with three Campaign Stars, the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Unit Citation, the Combat Infantry Badge, the World War II Victory Medal, the Army Of Occupation Medal Japan, and the Parachutists Badge - Glider Badge. He was honorably discharged in December of 1951. Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Rosemarie, to whom he was married to for 55 years; his two loving daughters, Sandra (Jim) Moffett of Homosassa, Fla. and Jessica (Eddie) Anderson-Smith; cherished granddaughter, Carrimee Rose Vaccaro, and cherished grandson, Nicholas Ray Moffett; and five nieces, Kris Marsh, Kimberly Clemons, Denise Adams, Debra (Pete) Vaccaro and Darlene Vaccaro. Ray was preceded in death by a daughter, Stacy Vaccaro; his parents, Nicholas and Lena Vaccaro; his twin brother, Victor Vaccaro; sister-in-law, Yolanda Vaccaro; brother, Douglas Vaccaro; and sister-in-law, Sharon Larson. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. at East Tawas Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Daryl Burt officiating. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may consider the Salvation Army in Ray's honor. An on-line guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com. Cremation arrangements were by Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City.