ASHTABULA — Raymond Nazor Petros, age 73, of Wintergreen Drive, passed away peacefully Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010, at Saybrook Landing, surrounded by his loving wife, sister and children. He will be forever missed and remembered as a devoted husband, protective brother and the best father any child could wish for. He was truly his family’s “rock”.
He was born June 16, 1936, in Ashtabula, the son of Paul and Josephine (Davino) Petros.
He grew up on Bridge Street and first lived above his grandfather’s confectionery store with his parents. His first job was at the age of 12, where he was hired by Doxie Dairy to wash glass milk bottles. A 1954 graduate of Harbor High School, he excelled in football for the Mariners and still has many life-long friends from his graduating class.
After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. Upon returning to Ashtabula, he began his career as a firefighter for the Ashtabula City Fire Department where he retired after 30 years of service. In 1963, he purchased Ashtabula Carpet Workroom and Cleaners which he operated for over 40 years. The business continues to be a part of his family, passed on to his youngest son in 2000. Ray and his wife also owned the Silhouette Gift Shoppe on Bridge Street for 25 years. They were the third generation of Petros’ to have a business in the Ashtabula Harbor.
He married the love of his life, Dorothea Gustafson, on Feb. 16, 1963, at Mother of Sorrows Church. Together they have four children, Raena (Kevin) Sidbeck, Victoria Hulderman and Kenneth (Molly) Petros, all of Ashtabula and Stephen (Gina) Petros of Lancaster; and nine grandchildren, Alissa, Patton, Mitchell, Max, Madeline, Raymond, Samuel, Grayson and Gus. He also leaves behind two sisters, Francell (Dale) Dobos of Ashtabula and Mary Jo Barnum of Kentucky; cousins; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Ray was a devout Catholic and in his youth, served as an altar boy for Mother of Sorrows Church. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, wintering in Florida and was an avid OSU fan. He served as president of the Marine Museum (his father was a founder), Harbor Merchants Association and the City Employees Credit Union. He was always a part of his children’s interests and was an active booster member when they were in high school and coached many of his son’s baseball teams. One of the things he enjoyed most was traveling to the Columbus area to watch his son, Steve, coach basketball. For years, he never missed a game, driving four hours to a game and returning the same night.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10th, at Mother of Sorrows Church, 1464 W. 6th St., Ashtabula, with Fr. Joseph Ruggieri, presiding. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Calling Hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9th, at ZABACK-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula.
Contributions may be made to the Ashtabula Marine Museum or the Ashtabula Fire Fighters Historical Society, 4326 Main Ave., Ashtabula to restore the 1930 Ladder Truck.
Obituary at www.ducro.com and starbeacon.com.
