He was born to Ray and Russella Lazarich on April 23,1987. To his dismay, he was not an only child for long. He immediately took the role of the “perfect” child. He was his dad's shadow, working on and under semis, cars, basically anything with a motor and wheels. His dad taught him that if it needs fixing, you do it! He started work early mowing lawns with his Grandfather Russell. His nickname, Mooch, came from always stealing the last piece of pizza. He got his sense of humor and knowledge of how to make a prank phone call from his mom.
He was a typical teenager. He loved to play golf, joke, fish, Spongebob Square Pants, ride four wheelers, build random shacks around the yard, shooting his sister with paintball guns, taking every chance he could to throw a party unbeknownst to parents, and driving around in his big truck. He made his parents thankful for cell phones when it came time for him to get his license. He had an amazing friend group in highschool. During one summer, he proved that there is such a thing as too much sugar when he had his first diabetic attack, which landed him in the hospital. He began a lifelong journey after weighing the pros and cons of just one more coca cola.
After highschool, he went into carpentry for FBI buildings. Then he went onto work at Gerreshimer Glass, Bunge, Delmonte, and was currently at JR Short as a Maintenance mechanic to provide for his family.
Raymond started his little family early at the age of 23 with his first daughter, Maci Ray, age 12. Shortly before his princess's first birthday, Raymond met the love of his life, and soulmate, Megan Hargrave. Megan and Raymond would go on to have two more daughters together, Reese Michelle, age 10, and Rayven Jade, age 5, as well as a stepson, Bradyn Pruneda, age 14. Megan and Raymond shared 12 years together. Megan had to keep a consistent supply in the dad's only snack cabinet, snacks which included oreos, cosmic brownies, and chocolate chip cookies. Raymond and Megan enjoyed date nights at his favorite restaurants, Hoppy Pig and KOI. He shared his full-blown obsession the R.M.S Titanic with his kids. They had Titanic marathons, Jim Carry and Adam Sandler nights, and all the daddy daughter dates. His youngest daughter (little baby) knew exactly how to work the zero turn thanks to always riding with dad. Reese (nugget) was always making her dad's life interesting, adopting the most random animals, including worms, mice, and frogs. Even though Maci (princess) was a little princess forever, as she got older, she joined her dad in the garage. They looked forward to working on her jeep for when she turned 16. Bray (bud) and Raymond had shopping dates, building the shed in the yard, and working on mom's car. He has passed on his love of riding ATVs to his kids, as well as his nephews. Campfires were his go-to. Weekly visits to Buffalo Wild Wings with his kids to visit mom at work. If you didn't find him in the garage or outside, there was a problem. He was a fixer of all things, which he got from his dad. Every vehicle had to be pristine on the outside. Following in his dad's footsteps, he took sledding to an extreme, hooking it to a four-wheeler and playing which kid would fly off first. It is a rite of passage in this family. No judgment please. After his long days at work, he was a hot tub enthusiast. Then, he would come inside and settle into his favorite chair with his girls and watch movies and eat snacks. When it came to his friends, he loved to go to Hoppy Pig, the gym, ride, and set bonfires. He would drop and go help anyone who called him for help.
I have a lot of great memories with Raymond but the best one that came to mind was after he got into his accident I drove him and my brother up to Loyola hospital for some appointment he had, we did nothing but laugh joke around and I beat the shit out of my brother in the back seat just brake checking at almost every instant that Ray gave me the look “get him”. That was the first time I actually hung out with Ray and a memory I will hold onto for the rest of my life. Even though he was all beaten up and tore up from the accident he still acted like a big kid full of laughter. He was and still is one of those people that we didn’t have to talk every day but we knew no matter what we were there for each other. Much love to the family 💙
Raymond was always our favorite nephew. He was so kind, loving & respectful at all times. Lots of what ifs the day of his passing. We went to a place called Psycho Silo that day n after we were there Raymond was on both of our minds. John & I said we should've called Raymond to go with us as it's quite the cool place where bikers & everyone else love to go for music, fun ppl & just a cool outside bar & lots of rusty old vehicles. He always wanted to go there but never got the time. Raymond will always be in our hearts & prayers now & 4ever. Love John & Kathie. ❤️❤️❤️
One of the most beautiful memories I have of Raymond is how close he was to both of you. Your family truly epitomizes what love, loyalty and a supportive family really means. I know how much he treasured being with you, bringing his children, and sharing so many special family moments at the gatherings you had. I could just tell that he felt completely loved and supported, no matter what you guys were always there for each other. The example of pure love that you set with your children has also become part of your lives with your grandchildren, and that’s a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Video memories
Video memories
Memories
Video memories
Video memories
Video memories
