Raymond O Medeiros

Raymond Offerdahl Medeiros October 10, 1922 - October 2, 2016 San Diego Raymond Offerdahl Medeiros, 93, passed away on Sunday, October 2nd in the company of his beloved wife and five children after complications following a stroke.Raymond was born October 10, 1922, in San Diego, CA. With the exception of his time at sea in the US Navy and commercial fishing industry, he resided in Point Loma. After attending Point Loma High School and working in canneries, Ray enlisted to defend his country in World War II. He served on the USS Neches AO-47 where he attained the rank of Chief Boatswain, earning six Bronze Stars and a Philippine Liberation Medal.Following the war, he swore never to go back to sea before proudly spending the next forty years in the fishing industry. He reeled in the catch of his life when he married Deolinda (Virissimo) on April 27, 1947, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Point Loma where they remained lifelong parishioners. Their marriage was a 69-year love affair.They made their home on a hillside in Point Loma, overlooking the bay. Ray gave Dee a living and Dee gave Ray a life for their growing family. Ray rose in the tuna fishing industry as it evolved from pole fishing to purse seining, eventually becoming captain of the Heroic and purchasing his own vessels, the Sea Gem and the Deolinda. After a successful career, Ray retired in 1996.In retirement, Ray enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He traveled with his wife, cared for his dogs, and spent quality time with his ever expanding family. He loved his country, playing craps in Las Vegas, French Vanilla ice cream, his USS Neches hat, stiff drinks, "Wheel of Fortune," and hot chocolate. Ray aka Grandad was a tall, handsome man who was loving and, sometimes, a little impatient. He was in a hurry to do everything except leave us. For that, we are grateful.Raymond is survived by his wife, Deolinda, his children, Chris, Renee, Raymond Dale, Karen, and Linda, and their spouses, along with his 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.Raymond was preceded in death by his mother, Mabel Medeiros-McGuirk (Offerdahl), his father, Manuel, his stepfather, George "Mac" McGuirk, his siblings, Chris, Jeanne, Donald and Mary, and his half-sister, Mary Holland.A funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 AM on October 10th at St. Agnes Catholic Church, located at 1140 Evergreen Street, San Diego, CA 92106. Raymond will be laid to rest at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Published in The San Diego Union Tribune on Oct. 9, 2016

Arrangements under the direction of Beardsley-Mitchell Funeral Home, San Diego, CA.