Raydell Estrada

Raydell Estrada passed away on March 22, 2024 at the age of 20. He was born on November 21, 2003 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Radel Estrada and Sulima Barreto. Proud step-son of Carlos Barreto “Pops”. Loving brother of Isabella Barreto and Gabriel Barreto. Cherished soul mate of Jadeyn Harkins. Grandson of Ana Martinez (Isnerio), Abel Perez, Miriam Armas (Leovaldo), Jose L. Barreto (Gloria) and the late Juan Estrada and Margarita Pacheco. Nephew of Jovany Barreto (Dariana), Nancy Young (Brian), Janier Sanchez, Alexey Cruz (Yudit) and the late Yoel Perez. Dear friend of Eric Linden, Evan Mikish, William Hayes and Alexander Luce. Ray is also survived by his dog Ollie, many cousins and close friends.

Ray loved playing baseball. He started playing at the age of 9 at Kings Grant Playground in Marrero for Coach Donald. He went on to play for L.W. Ruppel School of Advanced Studies for 2 years under Coach Tony Allelo. From there, he played on the JPRD Dizzy Dean World Series runner-up team under Coach Darren Piglia and Chad Foret. He also played for NOLA Baseball Club under Coach Kirk Bullinger, and for The Dawgs under Coach Leo Kerner. At the age of 13, Ray was part of the 13-14 Kings Grant Westbank Championship Team that defeated the PARD Hawks. Following that, he played for the Westbank Roughnecks under Coach Carlos (Pops), Coach Derek Mikish and Coach Keith Alexander and for the Rebels under Coach Brent Danos. Ray received an academic scholarship to attend Archbishop Shaw High School where he played baseball under Coach Bullinger and Coach Doug Faust. Ray graduated with honors in the Class of 2022. The family would also like to recognize Coach Gary Scheffler of GLS, Coach Matt Gambill of Prime Performance and Coach Richie Muhleisen of The Yard Ball Club.

Ray was very proud of his Cuban heritage, as you could see with his choice of tattoos. Ray really loved his hair and would only allow a few people to touch it, not including the school disciplinarian, Nicholas Marchese. He also enjoyed doing origami, solving rubrics cubes and watching the LSU Tigers but most of all he loved his artwork. Ray loved to draw and paint anything from a portrait to landscape.

Ray had an infectious smile that would light up the room. He had a loving heart and a firm handshake. He truly loved his family, Jadeyn and Ollie with all of his heart. Ray was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to have known him.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation for Ray on Monday, April 1, 2024 beginning at 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Westside/Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 5101 Westbank Expressway in Marrero. A Catholic Service will begin at 12:00 PM.