RICARDO RAYA

1939 - 2023

RICARDO RAYA AMADOR

Nov. 23, 1939 Apr. 10, 2023

Ricardo Raya Amador passed away peacefully on April 10, 2023. He was 83 years old. Ricardo was born in Tijuana on November 23, 1939, to Victor and Rafaela Raya. Along with his family, Ricardo grew up in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. As a youth, he attended and graduated from Calexico Mission School, where a lifelong intellectual curiosity was fostered. He soon met and later married Rosie Raya in 1962. They made Calexico their home for over 50 years. Together, they welcomed four children: Sylvia, Richard (Ricky), Carmen, and Marco (Mark). Ricardo was an avid hunter and trap shooter, teaching family members and friends how to be skilled marksmen. Ricardo dedicated his career to truck driving. He began working for Shippers Imperial and proudly retired from Osterkamp Trucking. Ricardo also owned Imperial Sports for a decade. During his free time, Ricardo enjoyed reading, especially history and current events, loved listening to music, and enjoyed his fine wines during the holidays. Later in life, he was especially excited when he learned to play music as well on the piano.

Ricardo was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 50 years, Rosie R. Raya; his beloved son, Richard; parents, Victor and Rafaela Raya; and siblings, Silvia, Mercedes, Raul, and Victor.

Ricardo is survived by his children, Sylvia Raya Ochoa (Hector), Carmen Raya Gutierrez (Fidel), and Marco A. Raya (Deanna Reinacher); grandchildren, Roxanne Aguirre, Michael Damien Aguirre (Yazmin), KalEl Soto, and Amy Raya; great-grandchildren, Alessandra, Michael Damien Jr., and Sadie Rose; siblings, Carlota, Virginia, Aida, Mario, and Carlos; along with numerous nephews and nieces.

Services will be held on May 4, 2023, from 9-10 a.m. at Hems Mortuary in Calexico. Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Calexico.

In the words of Ricardo as he would see you leave, Vayan con dios.