Raymond P. Fornaciari Raymond P. Fornaciari a longtime member of the San Francisco, California Bay Area business community died on Saturday January 26, 2013 at age 91.
Born in San Francisco to Italian immigrants, he lived first in North Beach and later grew up in the Marina district. Ray loved playing sports and being outdoors as a child, a passion which continued through his life. Raymond graduated from Galileo High School where he was a standout five-sport athlete and earned a scholarship to play football for University of San Francisco (USF). After graduation from high school he volunteered as head coach for the Galileo crew team and was inducted into the Galileo High School Hall of Fame. He joined the Navy during World War II but was given a medical discharge during boot camp. Ray entered the family linen business and later became an owner of Peerless Linen and board member of the New San Francisco Laundry. During his years as an owner of Peerless Linen, Peerless became one the largest laundry operations in California. His engineering and machinist expertise resulted in a patent for a process that led to more efficient laundry operations throughout the country. At age 60 Raymond ventured into the computer business as one of four partners who built and operated the highly successful High Density Disc Manufacturing Company. A man of boundless zest, with a gentleman's style and a twinkle in his eyes he was esteemed by his employees for his efforts in making their jobs easier. One of his favorite sayings while teaching his boys a craft was "Anything worth doing, is worth doing right". Ray also was an avid fisherman who taught his children how to fish for trout in rivers and streams throughout California. This love for fishing led him to ocean fishing and during the salmon season he could be found on a boat venturing out past the Golden Gate Bridge to catch a big beautiful salmon to bring home.
Raymond was an active member of and volunteer for the San Francisco Elks Lodge and San Francisco Italian Athletic Club.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, JoAnne; three sons, Michael, Chris and Scott: four grandchildren and one great grandchild. His wife, Laraine preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to:
Coming Home Hospice, 115 Diamond Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis TN 38101
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ray Fornaciari, was a stern man. He had a heart of a lion, and was also a gentle and kind man. He was very blunt when speaking, a no "BS" individual. He would always tell you like it is. Ray was generous, supporting, and when it suited him, he could be down right stubborn. When I was younger, I didn't like sports, and one of his sons (Chris) loved sports, Chris would spent more time with me, than my own brother did, Chris had a big heart, that he inherently got from his father Ray. Michael received his father's humor. I can still remember, the his wedding and Scott received his business no how, the seriousness. All great traits from a wonderful man, who told jokes, took the family on trips to lakes like Tahoe. Ray welcomed his daughter-in-laws family into his home in San Francisco. I will gravely miss Raymond Fornaciari. Rest in peace, Sir.
Martin Valladares
Family
December 16, 2020
Deckhand Ray, we're going to miss you; for sure we won't be as lucky on the Grecian Formula this year, but I'll bring a salmon to Joanne on your behalf. Take care of Louie, Harry and the rest of the gang up there fishing every day! Your fishing pal, Pete and Lynn Yeatrakas
Pete Yeatrakas
February 27, 2013
My condolences to the family. Always a lot of fun to be around Raymond and the family!
Manuel Quintero, Jr.
February 19, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Paul and Sandy Halpin
February 12, 2013
I feel like I know Ray from the stories Chris has told. What a man! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. With love, Dina & Rob
February 9, 2013
My Condolences to the family.
Loretta Fornaciari
February 8, 2013
Ray, thank you for all the talks and great advice. While I will miss you, I will never forget our wonderful friendship. JoAnne, Mike, Chris and Scott, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jordan Walters
February 7, 2013
Raymie, we were so lucky to have known you for over 40 years, and we will treasure all the fun and wonderful memories we shared with you and JoAnne. Our love and sympathy to JoAnne, Mike, Chris and Scott.
Nancy & Ralph Bettman
February 6, 2013
Raymond was the nephew of a very dear friend of mine, Virginia Rybicki--Virginia was staying with Raymond & his wife Joanne while recuperating and that's how I met them. Virginia was very close to them and I enjoyed meeting Ray & Joanne at their lovely home. My condolences to Joanne and the family.
Donna Gergurich
February 5, 2013
He was such a kind, gentle man. He was so very special to me. His smile and sweet disposition was electrifying. I will miss him. my love to all his family. LeeAnn Barone
February 5, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Paul, Janice & Frank Mennucci
February 5, 2013
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