Raymond Annicelli Jr.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Born on December 2, 1940 in the Bronx, NY to Raymond

Annicelli and Mary Marciani, their middle child, and only boy, along with sisters Navarre

Reshetnikoff and Andrea Villanueva. Beloved husband of Marilyn for almost 50 years. Survived

by sons Michael (Donna), Scott (Colleen), and Raymond (Kim), and grandchildren Ray, Zachary,

Doug, Luke, Alexandra, and Cara, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews, and their

spouses and children.

A dedicated family man, Ray loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren,

passing on his wisdom and sense of humor. An avid traveler, he and Marilyn traveled the world

together and with groups of their many friends. Generous to a fault, he never hesitated to help,

whether it be a family member, a friend, or a total stranger. Hard-working, decisive, and

quick-witted, he was someone who got things done, and could always be counted on, something

that could be attested to by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. It was rare for

someone to spend time with him and not be touched by his good nature.

After high school, Ray served his country honorably in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft

Pneudraulic Repairman. He began his career as a New York City firefighter in 1964, risking his

life in service to the community for 31 years. As Fire Marshal, he was an investigator for the

1993 World Trade Center bombing and received a citation for saving the life of a bombing victim

in the immediate aftermath of the blast, one of many that he received during his long and

distinguished career. Always there for his brothers, on 9/11 he grabbed his turnout coat and

helmet and headed for the towers, where, nine years after his retirement, he participated in the

World Trade Center Rescue and Recovery operations. He succumbed to illness due to his time at

the site, making the ultimate sacrifice as a 9/11 casualty.

A small business owner, Ray turned his attention to his own community upon retirement,

spending the next 30 years involved with various organizations in his hometown. He was a

member and former president of the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce,

member and former officer of the Port Jefferson Elks Lodge, and an active member of the Moose

Lodge, American Legion, and LeTip International business network, among others.

A competitive shooter, Ray won countless tournaments and awards for his marksmanship. He

mentored numerous novice (and not-so-novice) gun owners and aspiring marksmen, at one point

adding a gun shop and pistol range to his small business portfolio.

Beginning when his children were little, Ray took on the role of Santa Claus for his firehouse’s

annual Christmas party, and continued this service for the next 40+ years, volunteering his time

and red suit to numerous groups and organizations, spreading good cheer with appearances at

hundreds of Christmas events and gatherings, as well as the homes of friends and neighbors.

A cigar aficionado, in his later years he became a fixture at his local cigar shop, where he made

some of his strongest friendships.

He will be greatly missed, and never forgotten.

Viewing will take place at O.B. Davis Funeral Home 4839 Nesconset Hwy, Port Jefferson

Station NY on Wednesday and Thursday, September 25th and 26th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm, with

a mass at Infant Jesus Church on Friday September 27th at 10am, followed by a burial ceremony

at Calverton National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in his name to the

Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org/) and the New York Firefighters Burn Center

Foundation (https://www.nyffburncenter.com/).