Growing up in Spanish Harlem, he graduated from Samuel Gompers Vocational and Technical High School in 1956. After high school he worked as an engraver with his father. In 1961 while visiting his sisters in Lincoln he met their friend Bonita (Bonnie), who became the love of his life. They married September 15, 1961, and returned to New York to start their life together.
Ray began his 33-year letter carrier career with the U. S. Postal Service in New York City in 1962. Later that year, wanting to live “the good life” he transferred to Lincoln and he and Bonnie remained in Nebraska for the rest of his life. Sons Todd and Troy were born in 1963 and 1966. In 1973 the family moved to Waverly as Ray continued to work as a mailman in Lincoln. He was an active and committed member of the National Association of Letter Carriers Union – Branch 8, serving in many executive roles at the local, state, and national levels. Ray retired from the post office in 1995. He continued his union membership until he passed. He was a dedicated member of the NALC for 62 years.
While still working at the post office, in 1979 Ray became a University of Nebraska Event Staffer – a job he very much loved. For nearly four decades he monitored gates, took tickets, and ushered Husker faithful to their seats for sporting and entertainment events. He was also an event staffer for the Lincoln Saltdogs Baseball and Stars Hockey teams, and a Lincoln Marathon volunteer.
Ray had many hobbies over the years. One of his favorites was kite building and flying with his two sons – something he learned and enjoyed with his own father. Another favorite was Y-Indian Guides activities with his sons. In the 70’s he was an avid citizens band radio operator. He also loved fishing with his father-in-law, his sons, and his friends. He enjoyed and loved the many family pets. Good meals and get-togethers with family and friends were a constant throughout his life. Above all, he was a proud and loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and brother-in-law.
Later in his life, while living at Tabitha Nursing Center, he became a “staff favorite” with many friends among those who cared for him. He is survived by his wife Bonnie, son Todd, son and daughter-in-law Troy and Jennelea, his sister Martha, sisters-in-law Barbara Borgmann and Eloise Hiatt, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters Lydia and Ethel (Wheaty).
Loving, humorous, warm and generous, Ray passed away peacefully in his sleep March 8, 2024. Many who knew him simply described him as one of a kind. That he certainly was, and forever will be. He is and will be forever missed and loved so very much, and he will always be remembered.
Memorial service: 11:00 am Saturday, March 16, 2024, Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be sent to Tabitha Meals on Wheels, or the Capital City Humane Society.