Raymond Francis McCarville

April 14, 1933 - Feb. 1, 2025

Raymond Francis McCarville, age 91, passed away peacefully into eternal life on Feb. 1, 2025.

He was born on April 14, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wis., to John and Beatrice (Abramoff) McCarville, and was the middle child of 10 siblings.

His early life in a large, Catholic family was robust and happy, learning how to be of service to both his family and others during his farm and city growing-up years. He attended Messmer High School in Milwaukee, Wis. In his later years, he volunteered with Catholic Financial Life hosting children’s events at Messmer schools.

As a young man, he and his brother hitchhiked to Wyoming.  There they worked on a ranch together and experienced life outside of their Wisconsin home. The special time he spent in Wyoming was an experience he would share with his children during a trip to visit the ranch where he had worked. Ray even kept the working boot where he sliced his foot while cutting wood.

In 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. Stationed in Germany, he had the unique responsibility of teaching fellow soldiers how to swim.  His proud military service remained an important part of his life, and he was an active member of the Peter Wollner American Legion Post 288 in Cedarburg. Ray cherished the opportunity to take part in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., which was a highlight of his later years.

His dedication to service also extended to his membership in the Lion’s Club, where he volunteered on fishing trips for disabled individuals on Lake Michigan.   

After his military service, Ray returned to the Continental Can Co. in Milwaukee, Wis., for a total of 38 years of employment. Throughout his life, he nurtured his Continental Can co-worker relationships and was part of the “1933 club” of men who shared this special association. This included playing cards, fishing, golf, traveling and partying together with their wives.

Ray met the love of his life, Anita (Gajewski) McCarville, and the two married in 1957, sharing a beautiful 67 years of life together before Anita’s passing on Jan. 4, 2025. Together they raised three daughters, Colleen, Charlene and Jeanne, in Thiensville, Wis.

Ray was a devoted father who, in an era when it was uncommon, happily accompanied his daughters to movies like “Mary Poppins,” and “Gone with the Wind” and to an Osmond Brothers concert.  He also took them on adventures such as snowmobiling, tobogganing, motorcycling and camping, ensuring they experienced the great outdoors.

Ray’s warmth, Irish charm and mechanical talents made him beloved by many. He could fix almost anything, whether it was a broken washing machine, a room that needed painting or showing a grandchild how to tackle a mechanical problem. His love for life and his ability to connect with and appreciate everyone’s uniqueness was the cornerstone of his essence.

Ray was preceded in death by his beloved wife Anita.

He is survived by his daughters Colleen (Daniel) Tushaus, Charlene McCarville and Jeanne (David) Lambright, along with his grandchildren Katie (Chris) Steffe, Abby (Chris) Kendl, Samantha (Jonathan) Drum, Alex Link, Nick (Erin) Lambright and Elaina Lambright.  He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Finn, Ellis, Adaline, Esme, Archie, Lily, Jack and Scarlett.  He is survived by three siblings, Terry McCarville, Marjorie Campbell and Grace (Steve) Boysa.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Maul and Dr. Budny for their decades of compassionate care, which greatly enhanced Ray’s quality of life.

A funeral service with military honors will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, WI 53012.  The family will receive relatives and friends during a period of visitation from 10 a.m. until the service.

Ray’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His Irish eyes will forever be smiling in the lives of those he touched!

Memorials are encouraged to the Thiensville/Mequon Lions Club at www.tmlions.org.

Eernisse Funeral Home of Cedarburg is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.