Raymond Angelo Milani

August 31, 1939 – May 23, 2025

Ray Milani of Atwater, California, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born in San Francisco, and his family later settled in Petaluma, where he was raised on a poultry ranch and learned the value of hard work and responsibility, qualities that would define his entire life. In high school, Ray was actively involved in swine and sheep projects with Petaluma FFA and spent his summers working alongside a general contractor, gaining practical skills in construction and problem-solving that served him well throughout his career and life.

His experiences in farming, agriculture, and construction naturally led him to California Polytechnic University, where he graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Mechanics. One year later, he earned a special secondary teaching credential in vocational education. During his time at Cal Poly, he was an active member of the Agriculture Engineering Society and the Agriculture Council.

He was hired to teach ag mechanics at Madera High School in 1965 and remained there for nine years. During his time at Madera, he worked closely with FFA students and coached judging teams. But most importantly, it was there that he met the love of his life, Lucille, whom he cherished for 58 years. They married in 1966 and had two children, Steve (1968) and Susan (1971).

Ray was hired as an Ag Mechanics instructor at Merced College in 1973, where he taught a variety of classes within the Agriculture Department for twenty years. During his final seven years at Merced College, he taught in the Math Department. In 1995, he was honored as “Merced College Teacher of the Year” by the students, a testament to the positive impact he had on many throughout his thirty-six years in education. Known for his patience and encouragement, Ray spent many extra hours helping students succeed.

He thoroughly enjoyed camping and spending time at the beach house in Cayucos, California with his family. While he was a sports enthusiast and a dedicated fan of the Giants, 49ers, and Raiders, his greatest joy was watching his kids’ and grandkids’ games and activities. He rarely missed an event and was often found on the sidelines, keeping score or stats, fully engaged and proud.

Later in life, he enjoyed traveling to many parts of the world with his wife Lucille. They took many special trips with friends and on their own. A couple of their favorite adventures included an Alaskan cruise and a trip to Italy where he enjoyed meeting and speeding time with first cousins.

He was a master craftsman with a special talent for woodworking, creating many cherished projects for family and friends, including Christmas ornaments, toy trucks, and even his grandchildren’s cribs. In addition to woodworking, he also loved working on jigsaw puzzles of all kinds. Beyond these creative pursuits, he also took great pride in tending to his family orchard, which was filled with a variety of fruits and nuts. Although caring for the orchard demanded pruning, harvesting, and preserving, it never diminished his enthusiasm for woodworking and puzzles. These remained his favorite ways to unwind and express his creativity.

Ray was a considerate and thoughtful man who constantly put others before himself. He lived a life defined by hard work, integrity, loyalty, and quiet strength. More than anything, family was at the center of his life. He was a devoted, wonderful husband, a loving and supportive dad, and to him, becoming a grandfather was the greatest gift of all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Teresa Milani, and his brother, Mario Milani. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Lucille; his children, Steve Milani and Susan Flatt (Dan); his grandchildren, Colby Flatt (Shelby), Kendall Flatt, Natalie Milani, and Sophie Milani; and one great-grandchild, baby Flatt. He is also survived by his sister, Diana Milani, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him greatly.

A Catholic Mass will be held in honor of Ray at Immaculate Conception Church, 3003 N. Buhach Rd., Atwater, on Friday, June 27 at 10 AM. Immediately following the service, a luncheon celebrating Ray’s life will take place at Buhach Pentecost Hall 2889 N. Buhach Rd., Atwater. Please join us to reflect on, remember, and celebrate Ray’s life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1101 Sylvan Ave. Ste. C106, Modesto, CA 95350, or to a charity of your choice.