Oliver Ray Pardo

Manchester - March 3, 1944 - September 24, 2025

Oliver Ray Pardo, "Ray", aged 81, passed away at his home in Manchester, WA, on September 24, 2025.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Yoli, his children Francesca (Bruce) and Tony (Cynthia), his grandchildren Moss, Katie, Finn and Tessie, his siblings Rob (Betty) and Susan Hardy (Mark), and many nephews and nieces.

He was predeceased in death by his parents Ray Benson Pardo and Viola Stevens Barron, both from the Seattle area, and step-parents, Norma Braidwood Pardo, and Bernard Barron. He was also predeceased by his sisters Gwendolyn Winchester (Richard) and Kay Marinaro (Ed).

Ray attended school in Lake Oswego Oregon, graduating in 1962. He was a graduate of the University of Oregon Honors College, Further degrees were earned; a Masters in Computer Science from University of Maryland, and an MBA from Golden Gate University in San Francisco.

Ray worked for Bellcom, a subsidiary of Bell Labs, contracted to NASA's Apollo Mission. They created a backup to the landing instrumentation on the Lunar Lander. He later worked for the Computer Science Department at University of Maryland, and for Bechtel Corporation from 1974 to 2001. His final 10 year assignment was as Engineering Project Manager for the data infrastructure and real time systems for Boston's "Big Dig," Central Artery /Tunnel Project, including smart road sensors, digital signage, air ventilation systems, and emergency response communications. 7.8 miles of highway were placed 100 feet underground and under Boston Harbor. Representing both University of Maryland and later Bechtel Corporation, Ray served as a board member and president of two of the early computing organizations, Corporation for Open Systems (COS) and the Univac Scientific Exchange (USE). After retiring from Bechtel, Ray and Yoli moved to the Kitsap Peninsula, settling in Manchester. Ray and Yoli started hosting "Birgitta parties" on St. Birgitta's birthday, an annual reunion opportunity for descendants of Ray's Norwegian grandmother.

In retirement they enjoyed sailing. Ray had always been a passionate reader, and he devoted himself to the local library and the community of Manchester, heading the committee for the Manchester Salmon Bake fundraiser for 18 years. He and Yoli were members of the Port Orchard Yacht Club. He served on the Kitsap County Non-motorized Vehicle "trails" committee. He also served Elim Lutheran Church in many capacities He walked in the annual Relay For Life, American Cancer Society fundraiser for 20 years, serving as the Starbucks Team Captain the last 2 years.

As a community leader, a great friend, a storehouse of family lore, and a wonderful husband, father and brother, Ray will be greatly missed.

Celebration of Life will be held at Elim Lutheran Church, 5911 E. Hillcrest Dr. Port Orchard, WA on Saturday, October 25 at 2:00 PM.

Please direct donations to:

American Cancer Society P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741. or

https://donate.cancer.org