Today’s Obituaries—William and Matilda Rayno of Methuen

File photograph. (Image licensed by Ingram Image.)

William E. Rayno and his wife Matilda E. Rayno passed away in their home of 57 years in Methuen on Saturday, March 20.

William “Bill” Rayno was born on November 13, 1934 in Methuen. He attended Lawrence Public Schools before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1960 Bill began what would become a 35-year career with the Methuen Police Department, a profession he truly lived and loved. Starting as a Patrolman and eventually serving as a Detective, Bill ended his career with the MPD serving as Court Prosecutor for the Methuen Police in Lawrence District Court. His decades of service as a police officer to the citizens of Methuen was a source of lifelong pride for Bill. After his retirement from the Police Department, he worked as a security guard for several firms, most notably Lowell General Hospital for the last 10 years, before retiring in 2019. Notably, Bill also proudly spent 30 years as an Adjunct Faculty Member at Northern Essex Community College instructing in Criminal Justice courses before ultimately retiring from this role in 2019. Over the years, literally hundreds of his students went on to careers in law enforcement, further testament to his legacy and love for his profession.

Matilda “Matty” Rayno was born in Lawrence on December 28, 1935. She was a proud graduate of St. Mary’s Grammar School and High School of Lawrence. She held a variety of jobs over her life including that as an Operator for New England Telephone Company in Lawrence however no profession had more meaning to Matty than her many years as a Librarian at St. Monica’s Grammar School in Methuen where she so greatly enjoyed her time working with students and faculty. She eventually retired in 1998 to spend her time helping to care for her Grandchildren.

Bill and Matty were married on October 25, 1958 in St. Mary’s Church in Lawrence. Among the many things they shared in life, one of the most important was their Catholic faith as they were parishioners for many years at the former Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Methuen and for the last 40 years at St. Monica’s Church. Matty served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years at St. Monica’s and was a proud Member of the Ladies Sodality. Bill served as President of the Mt. Carmel Holy Name Society and led men’s religious retreats for the Parish. At St. Monica’s he was a Lector for decades and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Bill is predeceased by his parents, William J. Rayno and Mary (O’Neil) Rayno as well as a sister Mary Pitarys. Matty is predeceased by her parents, Peter & Flora (Caruso) LaTorre and two brothers, Joseph C. LaTorre and Sylvester “Sully” LaTorre. They are both also predeceased by a Son, Michael Paul Rayno.

Bill and Matty are survived by their Daughter, Cara Vinskus and her husband Michael of Londonderry and their Son, Peter Rayno and his wife Wendy of Hampton. Of the many elements of their lives none gave Bill and Matty more joy and pride than their grandchildren and they are also survived by their grandson, William K. Rayno of Dover, NH and their granddaughter, Mary K. Rayno of Medford.

Friends and guests are invited to call on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St. Methuen. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, March 25, 2021, 11 a.m., at St. Monica’s Parish, 212 Lawrence St. Methuen. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery of Methuen. Due to the ongoing global pandemic and government regulations, facial coverings must be worn and social distancing must be observed to attend calling hours, the funeral mass and interment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Central Catholic High School, 300 Hampshire St. Lawrence, MA 01841 or to Vest-A-Dog which provides safety vests and training for Massachusetts police dogs www.mavestadog,org.

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