Raymond Francis Tucker

Raymond [Ray] Francis Tucker, affectionately known as “Peter” was a devoted husband, brother, and son. He was born July 14, 1934 in Coventry, Rhode Island to loving parents, Raymond and Anna Tucker. He moved to South Hadley, Massachusetts as a young child, and was raised there on a family farm along with his siblings and parents.

Raymond was a graduate of South Hadley public schools, earning his high school diploma in 1952. During his formative years, Raymond was an active member of the South Hadley Falls Congregational Church where he participated in the youth group and sang tenor in the choir.

After serving honorably in the United States Navy, Raymond enrolled in the School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin, earning licenses in both architecture and interior design. Subsequently, he was employed by the Texas Department of Transportation as a building engineer and interior design consultant.

Raymond was an avid reader and patron of the fine and performing arts. He had a passion for live theatre, whether the production was a drama, comedy, or tragedy. As a US Navy veteran, he felt at home sailing the ‘high seas,’ spending many a day ensconced in a deck chair on the balcony of a cruise ship, reading selections from the New York Times Bestseller List, riding the waves, and listening to the roar of the ocean. Despite being in his nineties, Raymond still worked out three hours a week with a personal trainer, a routine he kept to maintain his health and vitality. His trainer, Theresa O’Brien, is commended for her extraordinary efforts to help maintain his mobility and zest for life. A founding member of the Austin chapter of the Texas Gay Rodeo Association (TGRA), Raymond dedicated over three decades to supporting this nonprofit organization and its charitable work.

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Anna Tucker, and his brother, Robert Tucker. He is survived by his Life Partner Robert [Rob] Gips, of Austin, sisters Carol Ann Cody [Donald] of Belchertown, Massachusetts and Alta Paton of Steelville, Missouri. Surviving nephews include Roger Tucker [Camille], John Patton [Marcia], Steven Patton [Kaye], David Cody [Diane], and Daniel Tucker. Surviving nieces include Debora Losaru [Tom], Donna Seelbach [Thomas], and Laurie Towne [David], Shari Baruffaldi [Pete], and Karen Bernard. Great niece Katherine Mutchler [Alex] also survives him. Additionally, he leaves behind countless great nephews, great nieces, cousins, friends, and coworkers as well as a wide circle of extended family members.

A viewing and visitation will be held on Wednesday October 15, 2025 from 6 – 8 PM at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Dr, Austin 78731. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in New England for his family, extended family, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Texas Gay Rodeo Association (TGRA). The Austin chapter’s mailing address is P.O. Box 142923, Austin, TX 78714.