Raymond J. Antonucci, Jr.

Suffern, NY - Raymond J. Antonucci Jr., 56, died on August 28. Ray was born in Suffern, NY to Raymond J. Antonucci Sr. and Elizabeth Marie Grey Antonucci. Ray received his undergraduate degree from Florida State University and was an avid Seminoles fan. Later he received his master's for advanced practice nursing from the University of South Carolina.

He was a self-professed Italian redneck and gear-head and Ford Mustang enthusiast. He loved the outdoors, electric trains, people watching and animals. Following a distinguished career as bartender extraordinaire at 80's hotspot, McGuffy's, Ray pursued more compassionate endeavors as a tireless defender of the vulnerable. He also helped saved lives as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), most recently at Pardee and Spartanburg Regional. The disparate careers once precipitated a patient of Ray's to ask if he didn't used to be a bartender and if he should be administering anesthesia… to which Ray replied, "Don't worry, I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night"… the laugh helped the patient relax and recover without complication.

He was known as a gentle giant who was ruggedly handsome with a brilliant smile, flawlessly coiffed hair, jovial personality, and easy going nature. He was an unabashed and fiercely loyal friend who freely offered his assistance to anyone in need. Ray could be frequently found hiking in Holmes State Forest or speeding across Lake Jocasse in his Allison speed boat that he lovingly restored. If you couldn't find him hiking or boating, then he was probably passing you in his favorite 2009 Roush Mustang with Night Ranger blaring from his CD player.

Ray is survived by his parents Raymond J. Antonucci Sr. and Elizabeth Marie Grey Antonucci, of Mill Spring, NC, brother, Jonathan Antonucci (and his wife Teresa) of Rock Hill, SC, and sister, Maria Dodson (and her husband Dan) of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by his nieces Rebecca and Hannah Antonucci and nephews, Cooper Antonucci and Christopher Samila.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Holmes Educational State Forest at 2:00 on September 10, 2017. Parking is limited to 40 cars, please carpool if possible.

Memorials may be made to Foothills Humane Society, PO Box 126, Tryon, NC 28782, or online at https://www.foothillshumanesociety.org/.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Asheville Citizen-Times on Sep. 2, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Antonucci

Sponsored by McFarland Funeral Chapel - Tryon.

60 Entries

Bruno Antonucci

August 23, 2019

You will always be in our hearts,that smile on your face the wonderful memories we have from a small boy to a wonderful youg man.God Bless

Judith Mattern Gehrig

October 22, 2017

Betsy, Ray, Maria and Jonathan, My husband and I would like to add our condolences on Raymond passing. The last time I saw Raymond was up at your Mother and Georges place when she had the Maypole out. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I am sorry that we have not kept in touch as we should. I look forward to hearing from you. Your cousin, Judie

Robin McMahon

October 10, 2017

Betsy, Ray, Maria and Jonathan,
I am so sorry to hear this news of Ray's passing, and I want to extend my deepest sympathy and compassion for all that you are going through now. You are a dear, lovely family and I know this must be a deep wrench for you all...
with love and friendship, Robin xo

Georgette Pacheco

September 23, 2017

I had the pleasure of meeting him about a year ago. He was a lovely man and he will surely be missed. Rest in piece my friend.

Adam H

September 12, 2017

Ray, you will be missed my friend. I am grateful to have known you.

Rich Vallieres

September 9, 2017

Death truly sucks. Gonna miss you, Ray.

Marian Zavoski

September 9, 2017

Ray, Betsy, Maria & Jonathan,
Words can't express the sadness and sorrow we have in our hearts at this time. We all have fond and cherished memories of Ray Jr. He touched so many lives and brought great joy to those he surrounded himself with. He will greatly be missed by our family.
Aunt Marian, Uncle Mike, Michael Jr., Nan, Andrew & Uncle Henry.

Ladd Campbell

September 8, 2017

Ray was larger than life and always made who he was with feel special. It was a privilege to spend time with Ray in and out of the work place. We had a couple of epic motorcycle rides on our dual sport bikes that I will always remember. Covered in mud, nearly out of control at times, we had some great laughs on the trails and back roads of western NC.

I remember Ray being so excited about a trip I was taking to Glacier National Park a few years ago. He said it was like heaven and he was right. I hope he's there, hiking to the quiet waters, enjoying the beauty of God's creation in the next life. As pretty as things are here, we only get glimpses of the beauty in the next.

Miss you buddy,
Ladd

Gwyn Taylor

September 8, 2017

I remember watching Ray water ski... barefoot! He always had a huge smile and a quick wit. A charming, handsome and genuine soul who lived life with relish. He made friends everywhere he went with his easy conversation and sincerity. It is difficult to imagine the enormity of the loss of such an extraordinary man in the lives of so many who knew and loved him. To say "He will be missed." seems inadequate. Ray, we will never forget you.

September 7, 2017

God is good and merciful, he keep those who pass on in his memory because they are precious to him. Psalms 116:15.

Edward Lilly

September 5, 2017

So sad to lose such an original person. I enjoyed working with Ray for many years and will miss swapping tales and laughs. God bless.

Leslee Stephenson

September 4, 2017

Ray lived on my property for a year, we were both unit nurses at that time....so many good long talks....many bottles of cheap and good wine....never forget him passing the kitchen window, and yelling in "sister it's wine o'clock"....damn it Ray....you will so be missed...i have not known a truer friend, every time we would meet, often years apart, it was as if we were in touch daily....so beyond sad

Lindsey Rey

September 4, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear about Ray's passing. He was my at times my neighbor and coworker, but he was always my friend. He was a great guy and so many ways. My life was richer for having known him. He will be missed.

Susan Vincent

September 3, 2017

Prayers for peace in the chaos to Ray's family.
I knew Ray years ago when we were both starting out in our different nursing schools.
You raised a great son.
There are no adequate words.

Susan Vincent

September 3, 2017

My prayers go out to Ray's family.
I pray for peace in the chaos.
I knew Ray when we were both just starting out in different nursing schools. He was a special man. There are no adequate words

Seanna Carlson

September 3, 2017

We love you Ray

Danny Johnson

September 3, 2017

My life is all the richer for having known Ray. I am grateful for his life and I mourn his loss among us. Thinking of his family and many friends. Ray's larger than life presence will live long in all our hearts.

Maggie Turner

September 2, 2017

Ray and Betsy, I was saddened to hear of Ray Jr.s passing. My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to you, Jon and Maria. Your family will be in my prayers.

Andrea Heninger

September 2, 2017

Ray was a great friend of mine. So sad he will not be around. At least he is free from pain and misery:( I will miss you Ray and love you bunches oxoxox

Whitney Shehan

September 2, 2017

I worked with Ray in Spartanburg, he always had a smile on his face and always listened to anyone who needed an ear. He will be missed dearly. He really brightened my darker days and helped me when I needed it. Prayers for his family and for our family at work.

Mary Ellen Loyall

September 2, 2017

Ray- it is so hard to wrap my arms around the fact that you are not here with us anymore. I am so glad I had the chance to reunite with you over the past few years. Your personality was larger than life. You were so real- what you saw is what you got. I loved you for your ability to be so true to yourself. You touched everyone's life that you came across. I have not met a single person who didn't say to me " Oh you know Ray!??? I love Ray'". What a special guy you were.

Karen Livingston

September 2, 2017

Ray will be missed by many! I enjoyed working with him for many years. I'm praying for his family to find comfort in your loss.

September 2, 2017

So sorry for your loss. Jesus wept after the death of his friend Lazarus. John 11:35 We weep along with you. His example was written in the Bible to give us hope. Rom.15:4

Renee Barnett

September 2, 2017

I am so sad to know that I will not hear that laugh or see that infectious smile as you are walking down the hall of the hospital or coming through the doors of the PACU. You have been the larger then life personality that could brighten really difficult days. I love you my friend and will miss you.

Bruno-Lois Antonucci

September 2, 2017

We are going to miss you and that bright smile that lit the day,so happy we got to share some time with you last fall Our prayers for your family ,We love you to the moon

Kim Pack

September 1, 2017

Ray will be missed greatly by my family who loved him for saving my father when he stopped breathing at a wedding and for being such a dear friend to my daughter Jordan.
May you Rest In Peace NOW

LAura Gosnell

September 1, 2017

Ray
I have known you many years, worked with you at Mission and then Spartanburg Regional. Its hard to put into words Ray how much you will be missed. You were a joy to work with , always making people laugh. A great friend,co-worker, person. I wish you were still here Ray.
Laura Kudrik Gosnell

Angela Templeton

September 1, 2017

I'm deeply saddened by the loss of my sweet friend Ray. I feel so grateful to have known him.

Rachel Dean

September 1, 2017

Ray will be missed greatly. I worked with him at Spartanburg Regional, and he was always a pleasure to work with. I will forever remember his sweet personality and wonderful sense of humor.

Pamela Johnson

September 1, 2017

Rest in peace dear friend

Mary Conner

September 1, 2017

My thoughts and prayers for your family. May Gods grace shine down and provide love and peace to all

Andrea Neumeyer

September 1, 2017

I worked with Ray, here at Pardee Hospital. I will really miss his smile. He was always so nice. Rest in peace.

Mark Ruscoe

August 31, 2017

Rest in peace, good man.

Tracy O'Connor-McGraw

August 31, 2017

I worked with Ray at McGuffeys many , many years ago . Such a great guy , so fun to be around , he's smile was contagious ! And the ever so often I would run into him around town and we would talk briefly and laugh a lot , like it was the 80's and no time had passed at all . Such a special man , he will be missed.

Ursula Harris

August 31, 2017

I only knew Ray for a short time but will remember his big grin as he was so lovingly working on restoring his boat. My love to all of you.

Dick and Lauraine Berlage

August 31, 2017

You are going to be missed very much by us. We loved having you stay with us you were such a joy to have around. Our sons loved you like you were there brother. We loved you like you were one of our sons. All our love to the family in these trying times. May God be with your family.

Dee Williams

August 31, 2017

Ray was such a caring man with a huge heart full of love and a smile that would always light up a room. The stories he would tell always had you laughing! A wonderful genuine person! Rest in peace Ray! My thoughts are with your family during this sad time.

Nikki Reis

August 31, 2017

Mr. Antonucci, as I have always called you.
You, my dear sweet friend, will be missed more than you will have ever known. My heart is heavy right now. Your large smile, big laugh and amazing stories will be missed. When I met you 8 years ago, I knew nothing but admiration. RIP Mr. Antonucci. We WILL meet again,share stories and laugh. Hugs!

Kevin Berlage

August 31, 2017

Ray , you will be missed dearly. I am a childhood friend of Ray's.I am remembering all our childhood memories made together so many good and happy times. He stayed at my parents house when he first moved up here and was like a son to them. My deepest sympathies are with the family. He touched all who knew him.

April Wilson

August 31, 2017

I have been searching, but there are no eloquent, beautiful, or right words to say... If there is one thing I pray for Ray, it's that at this point, he is able to see clearly... how much he was loved, how many peoples lives he touched in so many different ways, how precious he truly was... and, through that clear sight, he find peace.
My heart aches, as do the hearts of the girls. Our prayers are with his family, may they be able to somehow find peace in this incredibly difficult time. We love each of you dearly.

Marie Taylor

August 30, 2017

Ray...dear Ray...my heart is overflowing with memories. You, dear friend, were there during my darkest sad times and happiest times of my life. Your smile, big caring heart, and huge hugs, always there. I will miss you dear Ray and hope with all my heart that you are at peace.

Carol Slowik

August 30, 2017

I worked with Ray many years ago at McGuffey's. He always had a smile and I will never forget that larger than life personality and laugh! It seems as though he had many people in his life that loved him and my heart goes out to his family and friends. Deepest sympathy.

Angela Wagner

August 30, 2017

I worked with Ray at Asheville Anesthesia/AllCare and he was one of the nicest CRNAs. He was always appreciative and kind to the administrative team and he always seemed to have a smile for us. I am so sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this sad time. May you be at peace Ray!

Carmen Skeparnis

August 30, 2017

I work with Ray at McGuffey's many years ago in the late 80s. He was a brilliant man and always fun to be around. I will always remember his beautiful smile. The last time I saw him was at the Biltmore House when I went to see Rick Springfield. I am shocked to hear of his passing. I am sending my condolenses to his family and friends...

Brenda Hyatt

August 30, 2017

Ray will be missed. He probably had no idea how much we loved him . Prayers for the family . Prayers that God will hold you in His hands and give you peace

Nancy Dexter

August 30, 2017

Ray was one of the nicest people I've ever known. He was genuine and kind. I am grateful to have been his friend. Sincere condolences to the family and congratulations for nurturing such a fine person. We are all better off for having crossed his path.

Nancy Dexter

August 30, 2017

Ray was one of the nicest people I've ever known. He was genuine and kind. I am grateful to have been his friend. His family should be very proud of him. I too am stunned and so sad.

Lisa Davis

August 30, 2017

Such a great guy! A beautiful spirt with s heart of gold~ you will be missed. Love you sweet friend! Rest well ~~

R ENG

August 30, 2017

I worked with Ray for a few years , Very sweet man and he really cared for the patients he took care of. He was always happy and fun to work with. I hold up in prayer the family for the peace and comfort for this great loss. I am so sorry you have to go threw this. This is very sad news to hear for all of us at the Hospital who were his friends and work family. My heart goes out to the family . God bless each of you
Ruth

Tommi Workman

August 30, 2017

Ray was such a joy to work with--so full of wonderful stories--always sharing his smile and quick wit--I will miiss him--So sorry for your loss

Brenda Durden

August 30, 2017

I send sincere condolences to the family. I am saddened to hear of this tragic loss. Ray was special to so many. I pray for peace to all whose lives he touched.

Tracy Hill

August 30, 2017

I am shocked and saddened to hear about Ray. He always had a smile on his face. He was a wonderful person that will be missed by many people. I am so sorry for your loss!

Mike Donovan

August 30, 2017

I'm broken-hearted and overcome with sadness. I wish we had followed through with our plan to get together after the holidays last year man. You were such an energetic and amazingly funny man with the biggest heart. Our 2007 anesthesia class would never have been the same without you. I'll miss you terribly big guy!

Mike Bryant

August 30, 2017

Still stunned. He was a great friend to me and a great anesthetist. His loss will be profoundly felt. I am so sorry for your loss.

August 30, 2017

Michelle Reynolds

John Gilmore

August 30, 2017

Ray was a blessing to my life- that smile- that larger than life hello-- my prayers go out for his famiily and friends

Robin Shelon

August 30, 2017

Ray was an outstanding person. I will miss him very much. He always had a smile and a joke to brighten your day. Ray was dearly loved!

Piper Antonucci

August 30, 2017

In loving memory of Ray Antonucci, a very good man!! May you finally find peace now! I will miss that big beautiful smile and the zest for life you once had.
My prayers to the family. I know this is a very difficult time for you. If you need anything please don't hesitate to call me.
With all my love Piper.

Connie Webb

August 29, 2017

Ray was larger than life itself...it is so very hard to imagine a world without him. He touched so many people with his humor and quick wit. I loved Ray and I will miss him dearly...my deepest condolences to his family.

Jana Allen

August 29, 2017

Sure do miss our daily conversations and texts. "Likewise", you would say. I will love you always...and will miss you until my last breath.

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