Raymond L. Aguar
Dec. 10, 1925 – March 28, 2014
Resident of Hayward
Ray passed away peacefully at home on March 28, 2014 with his loving family by his side after fighting a long battle with heart disease. He was 88. Ray was born on December 12, 1925 in Oakland, Ca., the first of three sons to Arthur and Mabel (Chrysostomo) Aguiar. Ray grew up in Oakland, lived a few years in Napa, San Leandro, Alameda and Hayward. He belonged to BSA Troop 58 in Oakland. He attended Alexander Hamilton Jr. High and graduated from Fremont High School in Oakland in Jan. 1944. Ray joined and proudly served his country in the US Army 97th Infantry, Division 387th Regiment Company G, 4th Platoon- light mortars 1944-1946 which took him to France, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Philippines and Japan. He narrowly missed being killed in combat in Germany. He wanted to join the Air Corp, but his eyesight kept him grounded. Ray was honorably discharged in April, 1946. Having excelled in math, Ray attended Heald College for accounting. He worked at American Can Company for 38 years and retired in 1988. In 1951, Ray married the love of his life, Kathleen Sheeley. Ray and Kassie met through the marriage of his cousin Richard (Babe) and her sister Maureen (Sis) Mesquita. They settled in San Leandro and were next door neighbors for many years. Ray and Kassie had three children, Janine, Paul and Maureen. Their marriage ended in 1966. Through their son's experience with Sea Scouts, Ship 6 in Alameda, Ray met and began dating Rhoda Gilbertson in 1972. Ray & Rhoda spent 41 years together and enjoyed dining/entertaining with family and friends, casino trips, travelling, playing Bunco and Rhoda's Swedish group functions. Ray enjoyed Reading, WW2 History, Airplanes, Gardening, Genealogy, fishing & clam digging, Asian Culture, Dining/Restaurants and entertaining. He was apt at performing the Russian Soldier's Dance at weddings for many years. Ray was known for his gray slacks, light blue longed sleeved cuffed shirts with a Cross pen in his pocket. Ray enjoyed his retirement by indulging in his hobbies and spending time with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed entertaining and being his grandchildren's number 1 fan at their performances and sporting events. Ray is survived by his children and spouses; Janine & David Urban, Paul Aguiar, Maureen & Jim Volponi, his brother Robert (Bobby) Aguiar, sister in Law Joyce Aguiar, his grandchildren Clarke & Alana Hoagland, Taryn Aguiar, Josh & Jake Volponi and great-grandchildren Tyler & Jocelyn Hoagland, his longtime companion Rhoda Gilbertson and her family and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lawrence (Lefty), brother-in-law and best friend Gene Sheeley, best friends Stuart Johnston, Harry Lema and Stan Baker. We would like to extend our greatest gratitude to Dr. Steven Rosenthal and Gentiva Hospice care. We also appreciate those who kept in contact with Dad through his illness. The visits and phone calls from family and friends kept his spirits lifted. Per Ray's request, no funeral services will be held. Ray will be interred with military honors at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA. on Friday, April 25, 2014.
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5 Entries
Rest in Peace, Papasan.
We love you and miss you sooooo much!!!
Mo Volponi
May 8, 2014
Deepest condolences to all those who knew and loved Raymond. May the God of all comfort give you the strength you need to navigate through these trying times.
April 30, 2014
Another of the greatest generation gone. He will be missed at the neighborhood meetings and by the Red Oak crew. I didn't know Ray well but enjoyed talking with on a few occasions and appreciated his input at neighborhood meetings.
Marlyn Kauk
April 27, 2014
Bill and Lyn Rainey
We are unable to make the service today because of Illness
You are in our thoughts and prayers !
April 25, 2014
We will miss Ray. One of my favorite memories of him was him carrying several wedding gifts (the night of our wedding almost 34 years ago) up the sidewalk to my parent's house. He was so cheerful and agile! Nothing dropped! He will truly be missed. I hope there is the best sushi in heaven.
Anne Gilbertson
April 25, 2014
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