Lucien E. “Slim” Raza, 94, formerly of Becker St., Manchester, died July 10, 2012 at Catholic Medical Center after a brief illness.
He was born in Manchester June 2, 1918 to Leon “Nappy” and Lorette (Boisvert) Raza. He was a lifelong resident of Manchester.
With only an 8th grade education he worked hard for several years at International Shoe Co., where he met his wife, Gladys. He later worked many years as an upholsterer and for 31 years had been employed at Westinghouse Electric.
As a teenager Slim joined the Civilian Conservation Corps before serving his country in the US Army during World War II. He was proud of his service with Battery B, 272nd Field Artillery from 1936 to 1945. The Battery was awarded the American Defense Service Medal and the European/African/Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon. He also received the Good Conduct Medal. He landed at Utah Beach on D-Day+6 and served in northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. He was discharged in 1945 as a Staff Sgt. He later served in the 398th A.A.A. during the Korean Conflict, 1950 to 1952, and was discharged with the rank of Sgt. First Class.
He was privileged to go to Washington, D.C. with Honor Flight, N.E.
He was a member of the American Legion and the Intervale Country Club. He was also a communicant of St. Raphael Church.
Slim loved all sports including golf, archery, fencing, football, baseball, sparring, hunting and fishing. His favorite times were spent hunting and fishing with his special friends, Bugs, Ray, Mike, Marcel, Gerry, Rick and Wimpy who, with the exception of Wimpy who died several years ago, were with him until the end.
His last years were spent happily at Pearl Manor at Birch Hill where he loved everyone and considered them all as family. Many thanks to the entire staff at Pearl Manor for having enhanced Slim’s life while a resident there.
A special thank you to the staff at CMC, E-100 who gave so very much of themselves during Slim’s recent illness.
He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Gladys (Artz) Raza who died in 2006. He was also predeceased by his parents, his sisters, Therese and Clarisse and a baby brother.
He leaves a daughter, Nancy Greer of Wolfeboro and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at St. Raphael Church, Walker St., Manchester. Burial was in Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Benevolent Fund at Birch Hill Terrace, 200 Alliance Way, Manchester, NH 03102 or St. Raphael Church, 103 Walker St., Manchester, NH 03102