At age 17, he moved to Denver where he bought his first house and had his parents live with him. He worked at the Albany Hotel in Denver. At the age of 19, he married Josephine Vendegna in 1940. They had 3 children. He and Josephine were married until she died in 1989, just short of their 50th anniversary.
Ray served in the Philippines in World War II. He received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in the war. Ray continued working in Hotels, after the war, as a bell captain, for the Hilton Hotel in Denver and San Francisco. While working he met Jimmy Stewart, The Beatles, John Wayne, Robert Kennedy and many other famous people. He retired at the age of 62 from the Ramada Inn Stapleton.
In 1996 he married Frances Hawkins. They traveled the US and wintered at a home in Mesquite, NV. They had land and a home near Westcliffe, CO where they spent many summers. Frances died in 2017. Ray then moved to Arvada where he lived with his daughter and son-in-law until his death.
Ray was affectionately known as "Poppy" to everyone. He loved mountains, camping, fishing, golfing, dancing, and reading and watching westerns.
Ray is preceded in death by his wife Josephine, his wife Frances, his daughter Regina, his grandchildren Joseph, Ryan and Holly and great-grandson David.
Ray is survived by his daughter Jody (Ron) Ewig, son Ray (Carol) Wright, son-in-law Stephen Luibel, 30 grandchildren and numberous great and great-great grandchildren.
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