Raymond Gunzenhauser

Raymond Gunzenhauser 1927-2010 On December 9, 2010 an American original, Mr. Raymond Gunzenhauser, passed away due to a massive stroke. He was 83 years young. Ray was called many things: the Field Marshal, the Jersey Devil, Ray Gun and on and on, but by whatever name, he was a true gentleman and great storyteller. He was a fixture at Daves Bar in San Francisco, arriving each day to hold court. Everyone at Daves and most who knew Ray will forever feel the loss of this true original. Born and raised outside of Atlantic City, NJ. Ray grew up on a small family farm with a sister and five brothers. He was the youngest and last surviving of the siblings. He joined the Navy at eighteen and went off to help win WWII. After the war, he joined the bricklayers union and continued on and off as a bricklayer until retirement. When a military plane crashed into the Empire State Building in 1947, Ray was one of those who helped rebuild the damaged area. Then with the outbreak of the Korean War, Ray joined the Army and fought in that conflict with distinction. Besides laying bricks, Ray also joined the Merchant Marines and shipped out all over the world for over 15 years. Ray never married or had children of his own, but he had a multitude of friends, many who saw him as a surrogate father or uncle figure. He leaves behind a nephew, Bill Gunzenhauser and a niece, Maryann Gunzenhauser. Ray enjoyed living to the fullest, relishing eating and drinking as though every bite or sip was a new and glorious discovery. But more than anyone alive, Ray enjoyed conversing with people, making himself and others feel the specialness of simply talking about lifes moments. Ray had lived 83 years but was so incredibly young looking and acting he seemed timeless. We will all miss this American icon who fought in two wars, was a builder, a seaman, a raconteur and a friend to all he encountered. There will never be another quite like Ray Gunzenhauser. Services pending.