Raymond J. Onorato

Raymond J. Onorato, 88, of Portsmouth, RI, husband of Lorraine (St. Pierre) Onorato, died Friday, January 2, 2015. Born in Fall River, MA, he was a son of the late Michael and Elvira (Pettine) Onorato; he lived in Portsmouth for the past 50 years. Ray enjoyed the time he spent with his family and friends especially family vacations and gatherings at his homes in Portsmouth, RI and New Hampshire.

In 1953 he proudly established Ray's Florist Shop in the South End of Fall River. He operated the business for 40 years. In 1963 he was part owner of Cyrono Realty. From 1958 to 1978 he was very active in the Community of Fall River. He served on the Welfare Board, the Board of Fire Commissioners and as chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners. He was also involved in many organizations, the Fall River Lions Club, Sons of Italy, South End Business Association and Fall River Chamber of Commerce. He also sponsored many Athletic Associations and was a member of the Fall River Antique Car Club.

Besides his wife of 67 years, he leaves two children, Sherry (Onorato) Storella and her husband Fred of Bethlehem, NH and Donna Onorato and her husband Dennis Manchester of Fall River; three grandchildren, Melissa (Storella) Sheehan and her husband Christopher of Bethlehem, NH, Nicholas Storella and his wife Sarah of Los Angeles, CA and Nathan Storella of Bethlehem, NH; a great-grandchild, Rowan Sheehan of Bethlehem, NH; and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Michael Onorato, Hector Onorato, Yvonne (Onorato) Soares and Ardelle (Onorato) Friedman.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass on Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Good Shepherd Parish. Entombment in Notre Dame Cemetery Mausoleum will be private. Visitation with the family will be a half hour before mass at the church. The family charities are RI Chapter of American Parkinsons Disease Association and Alzheimer's Association of RI. Arrangements are by the OLIVEIRA FUNERAL HOME, 2064 South Main St.