Raymond John Congelli

Retired Command Sergeant Major Raymond John Congelli, Jr. affectionately known as "Pop" went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, August 02, 2009. He was born on May 23, 1931 in Wellsville, NY to the late Raymond John Congelli and Rose Marie Mele Congelli. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Carmen Congelli. He is survived by his wife Anne Lucas Congelli and his daughters; Debra Slavin (Bruce) and Pam Mullen (Charles) of Rocky Mount, Bobbie Jo Newsome (Wayne) of Wilson, Ashley Cook (Ben) of Traverse City, MI, Michele Suggs (Joey) and Tina Sadlick (Jeff) of Sanford, NC. He will also be remembered by his grandchildren; Chris, Brandon, and Lucas Rooks, Heath and Lee Slavin, Aaron, Garrett, and Jason Fly, Daniel Langley, William Cook, Justin Patterson and Carie Wooten along with ten great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his in-laws; Jean Congelli of New Jersey, Alice and Dennis Bennett and John and Sally Stewart of Rocky Mount. Ray joined the United States Army in January, 1951 and was honorably discharged in July, 1983. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was a recruiter in various cities to include Rocky Mount, Kannapolis, Asheville, Raleigh, and New York in the mid 60's and 70's. In later years, Ray was a combat instructor and director of ROTC at Providence College in Rhode Island. Ray was an avid sports fan and spent many years coaching youth football and baseball in Providence, RI and in Nash County, to include the Nashville Hornets, Babe Ruth baseball, Rocky Mount Academy, and Faith Christian School. A gathering of friends and family will be held Wednesday, August 05, 2009 from 7-8:30pm at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home. A service to celebrate his life will be held Thursday, August 06, 2009 at 3:00pm at First Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Grisham and Rev. Larry Curtis officiating. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Faith Christian School Baseball Program, P. O. Box 8165, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Arrangements by Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC. On-line condolences may be sent to the Congelli family by visiting www.wheeler-woodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Wednesday 8/5, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Service First Baptist Church (Rocky Mount) 200 S. Church Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-446-9113 --> | Thursday 8/6, 3:00 pm Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804