Filippo Raia, 70, of Mount Joy, PA, passed away on Wednesday evening at Lancaster General Hospital.

He was the husband of Eda P. Bonosoro Raia, with whom he would have celebrated 51 years of marriage this coming September 18th. Born in Palermo, Sicily, he was the son of the late Francesco and Guisepina Raia.

Filippo had worked for the General Dynamics Corporation in Quincy, MA for 25 years until his retirement in 1989.

He was of the Catholic faith.

He served in the Italian Merchant Marine in 1956 at the age of 18, which led to him coming to the United States. After sailing for nearly a year and just missing being bombed in the Suez Canal, Filippo jumped ship and swam to the nearby US shores. Soon after he became a US citizen.

A very talented craftsman, Filippo was able to make all types of things. He liked to travel, and was an avid soccer fan.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his 3 sons: Anthony  married to Lori Raia of Haverhill, MA, Filippo II married to Rose Raia of East Petersburg, PA, and Mathew  married to Natalie Raia of Tewksbury, MA;  and his 18 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Francesco G. Raia.

All services and interment will  be held in Massachusetts.

Arrangements by the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, Lancaster 393-9661. To send the family an online condolence, please visit www.snyderfuneralhome.com