Raymond Joseph Silva

Ray was always full of life. He grew from a Manteca, California farm boy to a proficient therapist, dedicating his life to social betterment and individual strength. As much as Ray liked to talk, he liked to listen even more. Ray saw everyone as interesting and unique. He spent 50 years counseling individuals, families and prison inmates on alcohol, drug and gambling addictions. Ray helped to establish the Athens Area Commencement Center.

Ray met his loving wife Jo Ann (Bartolotta) while serving on an Air Force base during the Korean War. Visits to Nubble Lighthouse in York Maine were romantic reminders of their first meeting and a life-long love. He made beautiful necklaces and wire-wrapped jewelry giving away much more than he ever sold. A good day might include linguica, grandma’s pink beans and chocolate.

Ray is survived by his wife Jo Ann, sons Michael, Joe and Jeff, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A celebration of Ray’s life will be 1 p.m. Friday, November 2, 2018 at the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park.

Family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until time of the service Friday, November 2, 2018 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.nuci.org.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.