Raymond Samuel Runco

Raymond Samuel Runco, 74, of Leonardtown, MD, died on Friday, March 18, 2005 at the Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C.

Born on July 8, 1930 in Arnold, PA, he was the son of the late Raymond A. and Hazel D. Craft Runco. Mr. Runco served in the United States Navy for 22 ½ years before retiring. He attended Duquesne University, Pittsburgh and Fredonia State University of New York. He worked as a real estate broker and as a senior staff appraiser for both Maryland and Virginia. In addition, he was the founding member and first vice president of The Patuxent Air Test Museum, Co-Director of St. Mary’s County Three Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary, and a member of the original St. Mary’s County economic development commission, founder and original member of St. Mary’s County Technology Commission, member of Christmas in April Board of Directors since its creation, member Tri-County higher education task force, member of Southern Maryland Tourism Committee, president and life member of Friends of Historic St. Mary’s City, director and treasurer of St. Mary’s City Foundation, director St. Mary’s City Foundation and Friends, Member of St. Mary’s County three hundred and fiftieth anniversary beautification committee, Director and Vice President of St. Mary’s Home for the Elderly at Cedar Lane, and a 32 year member and past president of Lexington Park Rotary and Leonardtown Rotary.

He is survived by his wife, Patti Runco, whom he married in January 21, 1956 in Natrona Heights, PA, two children, Mary Lynn Stone and her husband Joe Stone of California, MD, and Amy Cullison and her husband Tommy Cullison of Ridge, MD, three granddaughters, Devin and Jenna Stone and Rachel Cullison , two sisters, Marlene Wagnor of New Kensington, and Virginia Daniels also of New Kensington.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Rose Marie Steffen.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 in the St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church at 12:00 p.m. The Reverend Ray Schmidt was the celebrant. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were Joe Stone, Tommy Cullison, Drew Cullins, Larry Steffens, and Pete Swiart. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Jack Gelrud and Judge Marvin Kaminetz.

Memorial contributions may be made to the O.P.I.S. Unit, c/o St. Mary’s Hospital, P.O. Box 527, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Funeral Arrangements were provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Maryland.