Born on April 27,1944 and passed into Eternal Rest on February 15, 2020. He was a recent resident of Upland, California and passed at San Antonia Regional Hospital of heart failure. He was 75 years old. Ray was a wonderful man that was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania the third son out of four to Domenico Palombo and Sophia Catherine Belotti Palombo.
In 1962, at the age of 18, he followed oldest brother Paul Martin enlisting in the Navy and serving until 1967. He was stationed in the Aleutian Islands in Alaska when the 8.7 earthquake happened 1965. He was a Radioman 3rd Class serving on the USS Bon Homme Richard during The Vietnam War. It was while he was on leave in San Diego that he met his first wife and mother of his children, Connie Tull. They were married in 1966 and their daughter Tina was born that year and son Thomas came in 1969. Although their marriage didn’t last they tried their best to co-parent. All of which changed in 1975 when Tom was struck by a car while riding his bicycle on a weekend visit to Ray’s house. They joined together as warriors for their son and his survival. Although only expected ,by his medical team, to live 7 years as a ventilator dependent quadriplegic their son lived 41 years because of their continuous efforts and unending love for him.
After being honorably discharged Ray worked in the aerospace industry, managed a Thrifty’s and eventually worked as an air conditioning contractor. While working on projects with Berry Construction in the mid 80's he met his second wife Jean Arthur. She entered their relationship with two daughters of her own, Sandi and Traci. He began a new career in the 90's when he learned the insurance business from his younger brother Michael. He continued to work in this field , making it a family business with Jean, Tina, Sandi and Traci all working with him, until he retired in 2010. During this time he also pursued his love of travel. He and Jean went to Italy, Costa Rica, Cabo San Lucas, Russia and bought a travel trailer to explore places closer to home.
It was in 2000 he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He had a 5cm tumor at the juncture of his esophagus and stomach. After seeking expert advice he chose not to have radiation or chemotherapy and go straight to the surgery. His excellent surgeon removed all of his cancer and he joined the 14% of people who survive this diagnosis. He continued to have health problems but managed to enjoy being on his Vegas Bowling League Team (once bowling a 299 game), golfing every chance he got, and racing and repairing RC cars with Tom. And if smoking cigars could be considered a sport...he excelled at that too.
After his retirement, he was restless, and decided to be an Uber driver. He did that for a couple of years until his health made it too tiring for him. His son, Tom, was frequently hospitalized during this time and passed away in 2016. It is believed that Ray’s already tired heart was never the same after his son died and it slowly gave out in these last few years. Loved ones that cleared the path for him include his Father and Mother, his son Thomas Christopher, oldest brother Paul Martin, younger brother Michael Anthony and nephew Dominic.
Loved ones that will miss Ray until they meet again are his wife Jean, daughter Tina Palombo (Doug Walker), step-daughter Sandi Fernandez(Dave) and step-daughter Traci Mackinen (Paul). Grandchildren, Jacob Fernandez(Jill), Alex Fernandez, Jared Fernandez (Josie), Riley Mackinen, Reese Mackinen, and great-granddaughters Lilly and Emma Fernandez.
His older brother Joseph Valentino (Ellen), his sister-in-law Joyce Palombo, and his ex-wife Connie Palombo and her extended family with whom he was still close. His nieces and nephews, Lisa, Gina, Rosie(late Dominic’s wife), Joe, Tim and Paul, and their families. And so many beloved cousins, most especially, his cousin/bonus-brother/partner-in-crime Tommy Sapienza.
A Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held Friday March 20 at 2:00pm in the Chapel at Draper Mortuary. A reception will follow at Vince’s Spaghetti in Ontario. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude’s or to the charity of your choice in Raymond’s name.
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