Ray Spadafora Obituary

Ray Thomas Spadafora passed away peacefully at home on June 19, 2024 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife off 55 years, Judy Golemi Spadafora; his daughters, Laura Spadafora Rahman (Sami) and Elizabeth Spadafora Kupar (Kenneth); his three grandchildren, Noah Rahman, Maya Rahman, and Cecily Kupar; his brother, David Spadafora (Cass); his sister-in-law, Susan Golemi Surcouf (Billy) and Judy's sister-in-law, Patricia Golemi, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved. He was preceded in death by his newborn son, Stephen John Spadafora; by his parents, Joseph Spadafora, Jr. and Lucille Achee Spadafora; his in-laws, Anthony Leon Golemi, Sr. and Margaret Favaloro Golemi; and his brother-in-law, Anthony Golemi, Jr. Born in New Orleans on August 6, 1946, Ray was a graduate of Incarnate Word elementary school, De La Salle High School, received his B.S. in Accounting from Southeastern Louisiana University, and later became a Certified Public Accountant. He worked for many years with his in-laws in their real estate and construction businesses, and retired as the CFO of HRI Properties. Ray proudly served his country as a member of the Louisiana Army National Guard. For 32 years, Ray played the organ at 4pm Mass at St. Ann, as well as for community weddings and funerals, and happily played the organ for the weddings of both of his daughters, and many of his nieces and nephews. For his years of exemplary volunteer service to the Church, Ray received the Order of St. Louis Medallion from the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Ray attended countless ballet recitals and musical theater performances for his daughters, granddaughters, and nieces, and enjoyed his involvement in his wife and daughters' alma mater, Archbishop Chapelle High School, where his wife taught for 40 years. He was a Boy Scout, an altar boy, a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, a member of the Krewe of Zeus, participated in Mardi Gras day truck parades and the Irish-Italian parade, was a member of the Society of Louisiana CPAs, held various offices in the St. Ann's Men's Club and co-chaired the parish fair, and was Treasurer of the Parents' Club at Chapelle. Ray was an avid scuba diver, and received his certification as an Instructor through both SSI and PADI along with many specialty certifications, including certification as an instructor for divers with disabilities. He taught dive lessons at Harry's Dive Shop for over two decades, and loved getting many of his family members and friends certified as divers. He loved hosting family gatherings, planning vacations, including trips with extended family members and friends, and shared his love of diving, travel and new experiences with everyone, and was also a die-hard Saints fan. He was deeply loved and was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support he received in his final days. He will be greatly, greatly missed by all. Visitation will be held at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 4337 Sal Lentini Pkwy, Kenner, LA 70065, on Saturday, June 22, 2024 beginning at 9:00 AM, with Mass to follow at 11:00 AM. Interment services will be held at a later date. Memorial donations preferred to The Spadafora Family Scholarship at Archbishop Chapelle High School. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LeitzEaganFuneralHome.com.