Raymond D. Gobbi

Retired Waltham Fire Lieutenant Raymond D. Gobbi, of Yarmouth, formerly of Waltham, died peacefully at his home in South Yarmouth on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. He was 85.

Ray was born in Boston on February 13, 1940, a son of the late Raymond and Ruth (Smith) Gobbi. Raised & educated in Brookline, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps before returning home to begin his long career as a firefighter.

He joined the Waltham Fire Department in 1973, rising to lieutenant and serving with distinction until his retirement in 2001. In 1983, he made national headlines when he rescued a woman from a third-floor fire, and in 2001, he was part of the 9/11 recovery effort. Known for his easy humor and his favorite line to anyone he would meet, “Are you from the cape your whole life?”

On July 4, 1965, he married Nanci Ann (Allen) Gobbi, and together they built a life filled with love, adventure, and cross-country road trips. For 60 years, Nanci was his constant companion and greatest joy.

Nothing lit up Ray’s world like his grandchildren. He taught them to ride bikes, cheered at every baseball and football game, and beamed with pride at their milestones; pinning his grandson Raymond when he joined the Brockton Fire Department, celebrating Joe’s service with the Brockton Police, and watching Ashley pursue psychology at UMass Amherst. His great granddaughter Mia referred to him as “Papa the great” and he loved & adored his 2 cats Gracie & Rayla.

In addition to his wife, Nanci A. (Allen) Gobbi of Yarmouth, Ray leaves his children, David Gobbi of Yarmouth, Ray Ray Gobbi and his wife, Laurieanne, of Yarmouth, and Lori Hart; he was "Papa" to Raymond Gobbi IV and his wife, Nicole, of Brockton, Joseph Gobbi and his fiancé, Meghan Stanton of Brockton, and Ashley Molinari of Hyannis, and “Papa the Great” to Mia. he was also survived by his sisters, Ann “Sistah” Guy and Ruthie Gobbi, both of Waltham; his brothers, Johnny Gobbi of North Carolina and Richie Gobbi of Waltham along with many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Freddie and Billy Gobbi.

Family and friends will honor and remember Ray’s life by gathering for a Morning Wake from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Tuesday, November 4th at Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, followed by his Funeral Service at 12 noon. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Needham.