Ray “Ray” Pisano of Nahant will be 101 in February. At the age of 19, while living in Lynn and with just a semester of university under his belt, he was drafted into WWII. More than 80 years later, Ray’s memory is still sharp, and he vividly recalls the days of his service during the war.
From the Kasserine Pass in North Africa to D-Day and America’s final act, Battle of the Bulge, Ray found himself in the middle of many of WWII’s greatest conflicts. He recalls his wartime experiences with a mix of fondness and heartache but, most of all, an eagerness to return home.
Upon discharge, Ray re-enrolled in the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, where he completed his studies and turned his passion for creation into a career. His sculptures ranged from abstract to realistic, and he used various materials from plaster, marble, granite, wood, and epoxy. His collection of original pieces is a roadmap of local history. Ray memorialized PT Barnum, Mary Baker Eddy, Frederick Douglass, and Bud Fowler in bronze.
Fast-forward to November 2023. Ray continues to live in the home where he raised his family and is determined to remain as independent as possible. Struggling with COPD and connected to oxygen, he can no longer make the trip to his beloved studio behind his house. However, with the help of All Care Hospice and his family, he is happy to be living in his own home surrounded by his life’s work.
“He is such an amazing man with an incredible life well-lived,” said Susan Bowden Duffy, All Care Hospice RN. “Ray is such a special soul, and I love the time I’m able to spend with him.”
Since 1911, All Care VNA & Hospice has helped provide care, comfort, and dignity to countless people in Nahant and surrounding greater Lynn communities. The skilled clinicians and caregivers of All Care Hospice ensure that pain management, therapies, and treatments all support a care plan centered on the patient’s goals. This care and support allow patients to recuperate and spend their final days wherever they call home, surrounded by their loved ones. Hospice care also provides emotional support and advice to help family members become confident caregivers. For patients like Ray and many others, hospice is not an indication of looming death but rather the ability to live your best life with a life-limiting illness while receiving valuable care and support.
Through its partnership with the national We Honor Veterans Program, a collaboration between the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization, the Veteran’s Administration, and local hospice providers, All Care Hospice staff and volunteers have access to guidance and resources to better care for veterans at end-of-life by recognizing the unique challenges they may be facing. Pinning ceremonies are one small way the All Care Hospice team participates in the We Honor Veteran’s program. These ceremonies recognize current and former military members for their service and sacrifice. They are often the last opportunity for veterans to receive thanks and gratitude and to share their remarkable life experiences while serving their country.
Since November is National Veterans and Military Families Month and National Home Care and Hospice Month, All Care Hospice wanted to make Ray’s pinning ceremony that much more special. Jo-Mary Koopman, All Care’s president/CEO, invited state Sen. Brendan Crighton to participate in Ray’s pinning ceremony so that he could experience first-hand how impactful these moments can be.
“Thank you to the team at All Care for this opportunity to honor Ray, who has demonstrated a life-long commitment to both our country and our community,” said Crighton. “We are so grateful for his friendship, service, and selfless dedication to his community.”
In addition to a pin and certificate, Ray received a beautifully designed poppy from seventh-grade Masconomet Middle School students.
“He’s lived his life in service to others, as a veteran and an artist,” shared Koopman. “We are honored to care for Ray and recognize his service as well.”
For more information on All Care Hospice’s services and the We Honor Veterans Program, please visit allcare.org.
