PARRA, RAYMOND Raymond Parra, 78, died on November 9, 2012 at his home in Chula Vista, CA, with his family by his side. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1998 and ultimately succumbed to it after 14 years. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he moved west to San Diego and began a 43-year career working for the Sante Fe Railroad, where he rarely missed a day's work. He enjoyed playing golf and he took up running as he approached the age of 50. Despite the late start, he ran in over 25 marathons and numerous 5k and 10k races. He loved spending time with his nine grandchildren, whether it was chauffeuring them around or watching them participate in sports and other activities. He was a hard-working man who loved life and family. He enjoyed meeting people and could spark up a conversation with anyone about anything. Raymond is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis, his love for over 59 years, his children Raymond Jr., Lupe and Ron, grandchildren Angela, Jesse, Kristina, Briana, Raymond III, Samantha, Stephen, Andy and Nicole, great grandchildren Anaya and Matthew, and his sisters Tonia and Rose. He was preceded in death by his mother Petra, his father Epimenio, his siblings Jesse, Emiliano, Salvador, Sal, Lucy and Woody, and by his son Patrick, who died six days before him. His family, including numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, all loved him dearly. He will be missed by all. We love you Dad, Tata, Grandpa. You will always be in our hearts. Viewing and Rosary for Raymond and Patrick will held Thursday, November 15th, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Greenwood Memorial Park, 4300 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92113. Funeral Services including mass will be Friday, November 16th, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. Holy Cross Cemetery, 4470 Hilltop Drive, San Diego, CA 92102.
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Dear Lupe and Fedelina: Thank you so much for your message and kind words. There will always be a place in my heart for your father and the both of you. Please take care, Alissa Gilles
October 2, 2013
To the Parra Family:
It is with a deep heaviness in my heart that I have become aware of Raymond's passing. He has entered my thoughts from time to time since I last saw him four years ago. Just today, my memory of him prompted a search...and the sad discovery of his passing. I will always remember his kind smile, warm handshake, and sincere demeanor. He was a gem of a person - a gentle, wonderful man. I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to know and care for him; I am also so sorry that I was unaware of your family's loss of Raymond and his son Patrick until now. Your family will remain in my thoughts always.
Alissa Gilles, M.D.
September 17, 2013
Mom, it was wonderful seeing you at the Candle Lighting Ceremony recently.
You are a wonderful mommy.
Joseph Lemon Jr
December 28, 2012
It was our honor to know Mr. Parra. His smile & kindness to us will alway be our treasured memory. Rest in Peace.
Mike & Marti Castillo
November 17, 2012
Dad,
We just got home from saying good bye to you and Pat. Mom is doing fine and we are all strong just like you taught us to be. Don't worry we will take care of mom and make sure she is OK. I know she misses you already, we all do. Your viewing and funeral were wonderful many members of your family and friends were there to say good bye. Dad it really hurts knowing I won't be getting a call from you to see how the kids are doing, but I will always let them know their grandpa is watching over them. Dad you set the example that I live my life by and I can never thank you enough for that. You will always be with me in my heart and I will see you and Patrick soon. We can all play golf together again and maybe go for a run.
I love you Dad.
Your Son.
November 16, 2012
Uncle Ray will be remembered as a kind and gentle man, his love of golf and time I got to spend with on the course is something that will stay with me forever...
Steve Jimenez
November 16, 2012
To the Parra family,
Our deepest sympathies go out to you all. Coach was such a special man and touched our lives in many ways. We love you all and are here for whatever you may need.
-Jaime & Lori Sandoval
Jaime Sandoval
November 15, 2012
My deepest sympathy to you all. I have fond memories of Ray.
Nanci Roberts Taff
November 15, 2012
It has been but a few days since making an entry on this page for your incredible family.
The words I expressed on Patrick's page speak for me yet again; take extra, extra special care of Mom.
God bless you,
Joseph Lemon Jr
November 15, 2012
I was saddened to hear about the demise of your loving father. Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in our every thought and prayer. May your memories give you strength. Uncle Ray's big smile will always be a lasting memory for me, not to mention our shared passion for 007.
Manuel Jimenez
November 15, 2012
Tata Parra what a sweet and wonderful man. He made everyone feel like family. My twins and I are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thought are with you all. God Bless.
Nelly & Twins Perez
November 15, 2012
TO THE PARRA FAMILY...
RAYMOND & I WERE CLASSMATES AT SWEETWATER. MY MEMORIES OF RAY ARE POSITIVELY GREAT!! HE WAS FUNNY, KIND HEARTED, & COMPASSIONITE. I'M SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS...THIS IS SUCH A BITTERSWEET TIME IN YOUR LIVES. SAD BECAUSE HE WILL BE MISSED...GRATEFUL THAT HIS SUFFERING IS OVER. STAY CLOSE TO EACH OTHER & TALK ABOUT THE MEMORIES THAT WILL ALWAYS BE IN YOUR HEARTS.
SUZANNE ARNOUT-HOFFMAN
November 14, 2012
It has been a pleasure to call you "Dad", you were always there for both Pat, Andy, my kids and myself. I am lost for words, it saddens me to see you go, I know you're in heaven dancing around with Pat, but still there are no words that can bring both of you back. We have the memories in our hearts, pictures, text messages and audio that I've saved and will never be erased. You will be missed dearly along with my partner in life. I love you both very much. Rejoice in God's glory.
Dora Parra
November 14, 2012
TO ALL THE PARRA FAMILY,
MY HEARTFELT LOVE AND PRAYERS FOR YOU ALL AT THIS TIME. RAY AND GLORIA, YOU TWO ARE SO SPECIAL AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS. ALWAYS TELL THE STORY OF MR PARRA'S LIFE AS HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND WILL LIVE ON IN ALL THOSE GREAT MEMORIES..LOVE TO YOU ALL.
DARLA WILLIAMS
November 14, 2012
AUNTIE FIDO (UNCLE RAYMOND) COUSINS POPO, SISTER AND RONNIE, PATRICK'S SON, ANDY
AND YOUR FAMILIES. WE HAVE LOST OUR YOUNGEST UNCLE, A GIANT HEART FILLED WITH SO MUCH LOVE. GOD BLESSED ME WITH LOVING AND CARING UNCLE RAYMOND AND AUNTIE FIDO. WATCHING THEM WALK DOWN GRANDMA'S DRIVEWAY WITH SMILING FACES AND HUGS. ALWAYS MADE ME FEEL "LIKE YOUR FAVORITE NIECE". WHEN I WAS GETTING MARRIED (JANUARY 9, 1965 AT ST. ANTHONY' THERE WAS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND, I ASKED YOU ALL TO HONOR ME AND MARTIN AS OUR "PADRINOS" OF MARRIAGE. WHAT A BETTER EXAMPLE THAN YOUR MARRIAGE,I WANTED MY MARRIAGE TO BE EXACTLY LIKE YOURS. IN MY HEART YOU WERE MY INSPIRATION!! SADLY, WE ARE MISSING YOU UNCLE RAYMOND OUR LIVES WILL NEVER BE THE SAME, GRANDMA AND TATA HAVE THEIR BABY!AUNTIE FIDO I WILL PRAY FOR YOUR BROKEN HEART TO HEAL, YOU WILL BE COMFORTED BY YOUR SWEETHEART'S MEMORIES. (MARTIN PASSED 4 YRS AGO, IT'S HARD TO SAY "GOODBYE" TO YESTERDAY) LOVING YOU! FROM SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS YOUR NIECE/COUSIN ROSE MARY MAURICIO, SONS MARTIN, MARK/TERRI, JIMMY/VERONICA GRANDCHILDREN MARK (LOMPIES), DEZIREE NICOLE, MARTIN (KOO), ROSEMARIE, MEGAN, GRACE, JIMMY CARMICHAEL.
ROSE MARY MAURICIO
November 14, 2012
My condolences to the family, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Parra many times. I'm sure this is very hard time with the loss of Pat and now Raymond. The Moreno Family send their prayers and most heart felt condolences to the family..
Marcos Moreno
November 14, 2012
What can I say?? But, our family has had a great loss first Patrick, now My Uncle Raymond so many childhood memories of being sent to him to be disciplined by him that I even would tell my children that if they did'nt behave I was going to tell Uncle Raymond. Second to the youngest but a very big man in our family good values, conduct, respect, actually to many to mention but we all loved him dearly. My Auntie Fido I'm sorry can't spell the other name and all my cousins you are all in our hearts and prayers love you and God bless you all in this time of sorrow.
Alice & Placido Ochoa
November 14, 2012
condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the Parra family.
Toby Molina
November 14, 2012
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