Raymond Joaquin Mercado

1942 - 2020

BORN

1942

DIED

2020

About

San Diego State University San Diego High School

Raymond Mercado Obituary

Raymond Joaquin Mercado
February 28, 1942 - July 31, 2020
Escondido
Raymond Joaquin Mercado February 28, 1942 July 31, 2020 Raymond Joaquin Mercado, 78, passed away on July 31, 2020 after a valiant, 28-year battle with Parkinson's disease. Raymond was born February 28, 1942 to Manuel and Ida Mercado in his beloved San Diego. He grew up in Golden Hill, surrounded by his loving aunts and cousins, who instilled in him a fierce love and loyalty to family. He attended St. Jude's Academy and Our Lady of Angels, and graduated from San Diego High School in 1959. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in history from San Diego State University in 1966, and a Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School Of Law in 1975. Between earning his degrees, he served in the Old Guard, the Army's official ceremonial unit and escort to the president. Ray worked as in-house counsel at Home Federal Savings and Loan until 1994, and at Great Western Bank (later Washington Mutual) in Chatsworth until he retired early due to the limitations of Parkinson's. In 1988, he married his wife, Debbi, and the family lived in both San Diego and Moorpark, where Ray was the long-time president of the Moorpark Tennis Club. Ray is remembered as a prince of a man an elegant, gracious, and generous co-worker, friend, neighbor, father and husband. He was irreverently funny, broadly intelligent, beautifully articulate, and eternally optimistic, always believing that they would find a cure for Parkinson's so he could return to the things he loved most, especially tennis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ida and Manuel Mercado. Ray leaves his beloved wife, Debbi of Moorpark; sons, Manuel and Joseph of San Diego; stepson, Daniel Mellos of Poway; grandson, Hunter Mellos; brother, Hilbert of Encinitas; nephew, Matthew (Bianca) of Chula Vista; and niece, Alexa (Thorsten) of Willow Creek. He will be missed by many loving cousins, and a multitude of devoted, lifelong friends; all who knew Ray will miss his kind, loving nature, his humor, and his zest for life. A private military service is pending at Miramar National Cemetery, and when the world returns to normal, a proper celebration of Ray's life will be held, complete with mariachis, his famous Mexican hot dogs, plenty of margaritas, and endless stories of a special man and a life well-lived. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune from Aug. 8 to Aug. 9, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Mercado

8 Entries

Robin Joy Maxson

August 5, 2021

Although it has been a year, your light continues to make the world a better place. Thank you Ray.

Robin Joy Maxson

October 1, 2020

Our familysends our condolences to Ray's family. We met Ray much later in his life - while he was a resident receiving care. Ray's personality, intelligence and caring nature were not diminished. Ray always reached out to chat. His gentle soul was present and he shared this gift with his fellow residents; including my father. We are thankful to have met Ray. Peace to Ray and to his family.

Frank Kubik

August 16, 2020

I’ll always remember Ray’s incredible sense of humor and particularly our friendly rivalry. Our condolences to you Debbi and your family.

Pete Pickslay

August 13, 2020

I hired Ray shortly after he became a lawyer and we worked together for more than 15 years. Ray was a great guy, loved by everyone at the bank. His failing health after receiving his Parkinson's diagnosis was very sad, but it did not affect his terrific attitude. No one was friendlier and it was great to be his friend.

Kaye Hobson

August 9, 2020

Condolences to the family on your loss. I worked with Ray at Home Fed and he was a quality guy.

Victoria Viruet-Rivera

August 8, 2020

To Raymond’s family: I attended Our Lady of Angels Grammar School in the mid 50’s. Raymond & I were in the same class in the 7th & 8th grade. Raymond was very popular in school. After 8th grade graduation, we all took different paths for high school, college & personal lives. The next time, I saw Raymond was about 14 years ago (50 yrs later) at a luncheon reunion from the OLA ‘55 yr graduates. We all reminisced. Raymond was very soft spoken , gracious & a great listener. About 5 yrs later, we all met again for another luncheon at the Hotel Del. I recall Raymond sharing that he was writing a book. He sent me glimpses of the writings. Raymond had excellent writing skills. Humor was interwoven in his writings, whether he was writing a book on his mom & her sisters, his military experience or his incredible experiences, both before before & after taking the bar exam. He loved his family & was an extraordinary person. May he rest In Peace.

Debra Greenfield

August 8, 2020

Dear Family of Ray: Raymond and I were great friends in our first year of law school at USD. I have very fond memories of him and how much he added to the culture of our class. We remained friends throughout our years at USD. I am so glad I knew him and that we got through those tough years as buddies. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Bob Medlock

August 8, 2020

Ray was with us for our Freshman and Sophomore years at St. Augustine HS. Last year he rejoined us for our 60th Reunion. On behalf of all his Brothers in the Class of '59, Rest In Peace dear Brother. Bob Medlock - Indianapolis

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