Raymond George Galasso

Ray was loved by many and was a protector for those he loved. Beloved son of father Raymond Matthew Galasso and mother Colleen Michele Galasso; the best brother to Alaina Marie and Shianne Rose Galasso. Ray loved his family, including his grandparents, Mario and Mary Galasso and Frank and Mary Ann Gunyou; uncles and aunts, Mike and Leilani Galasso, Mark and Leslie Galasso, Jon and Michele Gunyou; and cousins, Beau Galasso, Nick Galasso, Lisa Galasso, Lauren Berkal, Megan Bloomberg, and Nathan Gunyou. Ray also held many friends near and dear to his heart, from his friends from elementary, middle school, high school in Austin, Texas to his days spent at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to the friends he met at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas.

Ray was a historian. During Ray’s childhood, he discovered a deep love for everything rooted in history and truth. He played historically accurate video games with his friends and fell in love with gaming in the process. He learned how to code and created his own Harambe game. Ray loved reading Rick Riordan’s novels, and then learning even more about Greek, Roman, and Egyptian mythology from there. His favorite TV show was Attack On Titan, an anime about war, and he loved sharing his passion for it with others. Ray was an author. After seeing the parallels between two fictional heroes in separate universes, he combined the two into a twenty-one-chapter story, an amazing work in progress that allowed Ray to explore and transform while being followed by many faithful fans around the world.

Ray obtained a bachelor’s degree of General Studies in History from the University of Michigan in 2022. He worked in the Power Center Scene Shop as a carpenter, assisting the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance with building elaborate scenery for their productions. During his time in Ann Arbor, Ray loved attending Michigan football, basketball, and hockey games. Ray said going to the University of Michigan was the best decision of his life because it brought him closer to his grandparents and family who originated in the state of Michigan. He wanted to know more about his family history and genealogy, so he connected with his grandparents and conducted extensive research on them and his relatives near and far. At his University of Michigan graduation commencement, Ray was chosen to give his class’s commencement speech; he spoke about why history is important to learn. His parents, grandparents, and friends listened with mouths open because they had witnessed Ray’s transformation from mostly a math and science introvert to a masterful storyteller and communicator.

A native Texan himself, Ray wanted to devote his life to learning and teaching others about Texas History. Ray absolutely loved everything about Texas, its history and values. Ray interviewed with and was selected to work at The Alamo as a Living Historian in the Living History and Public Programs Department, a job that meant the world to him because the Alamo was Ray, and Ray was the Alamo. The Alamo was who Ray was.

At the Alamo, Ray was able to deeply immerse himself in studying Alamo specific history while handling period accurate artifacts and reenactments. He developed various skills, from leatherworking to musket and cannon firing. He wore the period accurate leather pieces he made and even learned how to play the jaw harp.

He loved learning more about the Alamo and Texas history every day, on the site where the infamous siege and battle that would eventually lead to Texas independence took place. He interacted with Alamo patrons and coworkers alike, eager to teach them what he’d learned. Ray sought out everything he could learn about the Alamo, even considering the perspective of the Mexican troops during the 13-day siege. He visited other related historical sites for work and outside of work, such as Washington on the Brazos, San Fernando Cathedral, the Texas Military Museum, and the Presidio La Bahia State Historic Site.

Ray will be remembered for his bravery, diligence, kindness, integrity, humor and intelligence. Ray was the opposite of a taker and instead only gave completely in everything he did, and in very humble way. Ray took the time to truly understand a person’s soul and gave thoughtful gifts (e.g., Christmases and Birthdays). On this most recent Valentine’s Day he honored his female coworkers with a serenade and a yellow rose. Ray was the epitome of Texas values and a true Texan. He was a Lone Star and a devoted and loving son, brother, and friend.

To remember and honor Ray, be more like him. In other words, epitomize him. Do not be afraid to love others. Assume people are acting with pure and innocent hearts. To be loved, as to love. To be understood, as to understand. This world needs more like Ray, not less. Ray would want you to not be afraid to truly connect with someone and ask someone how they are doing today, and really listen. We know God now has Ray watching over us all. If you can or are willing, please consider donating/supporting the Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative, a nonprofit organization that provides training, resources, outreach, and technical assistance to Texas communities.

Ray's Memorial & Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday March 23rd at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas at 6:30 PM. On March 6th, 2024, the Alamo performed two memorials and moments of silence honoring Ray’s life, dedication, and love for the Alamo, coinciding with the 188th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo. They flew the Texas flag in Ray’s honor, which will be presented to Ray’s mom, Ray’s father, and Ray’s sisters at a later date. These memorials were a special start to honoring Ray’s wishes.

To watch these memorials and Remember the Alamo and Remember Ray go to this link here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4MRNsCMZ5K/?igsh=d2trMjEwOXB3djFx

PS: Ray loved and shared the following songs and would love for you to listen and share as you remember and honor Ray.

https://youtu.be/GyLiIl-IKfA?si=SOyh6P6tuRfq2y4Z

https://youtu.be/1lB42RjZs0A?si=MU0vJkyvjPVduPt6