Raymond Ralph Abinanti

A native of San Francisco, Ray was born March 13, 1942, to Stanley J. and Louise Abinanti (née Scheele). After graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1960, he served in the Navy, where he was a ship’s machinist, and visited Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, and the Philippines. After being discharged, he attended Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle from 1964-1965. He returned to San Francisco where he worked as an apprentice machinist in the Hunter’s Point Shipyard, which included classes at City College. He was first in his apprenticeship class and spoke at his graduation. He enjoyed his work and, after rising through the ranks, eventually retired from the City and County of San Francisco in 1999. It was during his time in the shipyard, however, that he met and fell in love with Margaret Elizabeth Burnside while attending the Lutheran Church of Our Savior. They were married in 1967 and had three children: Paul, Jean, and Lisa.

Ray was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Even in his last years, he enjoyed climbing to the ground and playing with his grandchildren. He had a deep love for God and a strong knowledge of the Bible. His faith provided him with a great generosity of spirit. Ray would strike up conversations with complete strangers, often becoming friends. He was a comfort and a joy to all who knew him, always listening without judgment. Ray was also a talented musician, with a special passion for the accordion, which he began playing at a young age. He was an avid bicyclist and spent many hours exploring the Bay Area and later, the countryside surrounding Lodi. He had many other hobbies, including photography, leather working, trains, and motorcycles (with scars to prove it!). Ray always found something new to discover.

Ray is survived by his wife, Beth Abinanti; his children, Paul Abinanti (wife Rita), Jean Abinanti (husband Lee Bachas) and Lisa Abinanti (husband Patrick Wenzinger); his grandchildren, Chloe Abinanti and Luca Wenzinger; and his siblings, Stanley R. Abinanti (wife Dorrie Steele) and Linda Nansen. He will be dearly missed.

A celebration of life will take place 11:00am on February 24, 2024 at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 1540 W. Lodi Ave, Lodi, CA (reception to follow). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lodi Salvation Army or your charity of choice.