"Ray" Raymond James Radosti Jr.

“Ray”, Raymond James Radosti Jr., a lifelong resident of his beloved Gentilly, passed away at home on June 22, 2026, at the age of 75. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and retired New Orleans Police Detective, Ray was a man who navigated life with fearless enthusiasm, endless humor, and a deep, unwavering love for his family.

Born in New Orleans on November 2, 1950, to the late Raymond James Radosti Sr. and Evelyn Ramos Sahuque, Ray was the eldest of three brothers. He attended St. James Major, Holy Cross High School, and LSUNO. In early 1970, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. In July of 1970, he returned home from Basic Training at Port Folk to say goodbye to his 41 year old father who had suffered a massive stroke. He went on to serve as an Army finance specialist in Germany until he returned home in March of 1972.

On February 4, 1973, what would have been his late father’s 44th birthday, Ray met the love of his life, Diane Tornabene. Married for 50 years and together for 53, Ray never lost his awe for Diane’s vibrant energy and zest for life, recently writing, “She loves everybody and everybody loves her... she had that affect on me from night one.”

Ray’s career was defined by his resilience and dedication. A retired NOPD Detective, he famously pushed through Hurricane Katrina in uniform with his family by his side, followed by many months aiding in the city's cleanup and aftermath. Utilizing skills from his previous construction business, he then rebuilt his childhood home with his own two hands, starting with his favorite room in the house: his home bar, “The Cave.”

A true renaissance man and social butterfly, Ray had a multitude of talents and passions. He was a gifted musician who could learn music by ear, playing both guitar and piano. He was a masterful chef guarding top-secret recipes, a meticulous photographer who cataloged every family memory, a skilled golfer, and a natural athlete. He was also a fiercely proud Gentilly native, thoroughly embracing his role as a moderator for the “People who grew up in Gentilly” Facebook group.

Ray was an avid motorcyclist whose fearless outlook on life was captured in his personal motto: “We only regret the rides we didn’t take.” He lived by those words, leaving no ride untaken and no joke untold. He is gone far too soon, but will be forever in our hearts.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane Tornabene Radosti; his favorite, and only child and daughter, Tracy Radosti Fatakia, and his son-in-law, Dr. Adil Fatakia, whom he deeply admired; and his two granddaughters, Mila Aryana (8) and Lana Diane (6), who were his absolute pride and joy. He is also survived by his dear brothers, Michael “Mike” Radosti (Teresa) and Timothy “Tim” Radosti (Melanie); his sister-in-law Judy South (Tom); his Aunt, Carol Radosti Barlow (Pete), and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Sr. and Evelyn, his grandmothers, Hazel Mulkey Fiorello, and Myrtle Radosti, and his grandfather Joseph Radosti.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Lake Lawn Funeral Home Event Center, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA. We invite family and friends to gather for appetizers, refreshments, and shared memories. At 3:30 PM, we will pause for the reading of the eulogy.