A World War II Army Veteran and member of the 106th Field Artillery with the 1st Battalion, Raymond Ziolkowski, better know as "UNCLE" passed away peacefully with his family at his side, at the age of 95.

Previous to and after his military service from 1940 thru 1945, Raymond worked for many years with the Railroad refurbishing boxcars. He then when to the another mode of transportation, working for United Airlines, in the maintenance department, doing interior maintenance on the planes and in the terminals, at the Buffalo International Airport in Cheektowaga, New York, till he retired in 1984.

Upon his retirement, he pursued his first love of Gardening and Cutting Grass, which allowed him to bathed in the Sun, a pastime he thoroughly enjoyed, along with serving as an armchair quarterback to the Buffalo Bills for many seasons. He also enjoyed listening to Good Old Country & Western music and especially, Sandy Beach on WBEN. In his later years, UNCLE learned the art of ringing the bells - his way, to joyfully summon those caring for him.

The beloved son of the late Elizabeth (nee Helminiak) and the late Joseph Ziolkowski and cherished uncle of his caregivers, Jerry who he called "Poopa", (Gerry) Nowak, Betty (Bill) Carey, Chris Smith, Heather (Jake) Jankowski and Matt Carey.

He was predeceased by Sisters and Brothers, the late Josephine Gratz, late Leonard (late Ruth) Ziolkowski, late Emily (late Gerald) Smith and the late Henry Ziolkowski and survived by several other nieces and nephews.

Raymond's Family will be present on Wednesday from 3 to 6 PM at the PIETSZAK FUNERAL HOME, 2400 William Street (near Harlem) where a funeral service will follow visitation at 6 PM.