Raymond Anthony GARCEA

1935 - 2023

Raymond Garcea was born in Spokane on August 21, 1935, to Chet Garcea and Amelia (Scarcello) Garcea, and passed away in Spokane on December 3, 2023.

Chet's parents, Filomena and Joseph Garcea, emigrated from the same small town of Pedace, Italy, as did Amelia's parents, Josephine and Antonio Scarcello. The Garceas settled in Spokane; the Scarcellos, on a family farm near Twin Lakes, Idaho. Ray's parents often visited the farm, allowing Chet and Amelia to become acquainted and decide to marry.

Ray was the oldest child and is survived by two brothers, Richard (five years younger) and Joseph, (13 years younger). Their father, Chet, worked in the bottling business with other Garcea relatives and was instrumental in starting Pepsi-Cola Bottling in Spokane. He later worked as an accountant for the City of Spokane. Ray was only 16 when his father died. His mother, Amelia, became the family breadwinner. She retired in 1980 from Spokane Public School District No. 81.

Ray graduated from North Central High School in 1953, after attending St. Anthony Catholic School and Havermale Junior High. He was on active duty in the U.S. Army for three years, between 1955 and 1957, and was honorably discharged. Ray was stationed in Ford Ord, California, and in Texas where he noted that cheap whiskey could be purchased across the border.

Ray worked for the railroad for several years, including his first year in college. In 1966, he bought a brand-new white Chevrolet Impala, a sleek classic car that he treasured for 55 years. Ray graduated from Eastern Washington University with a master's degree in psychology and obtained a Ph.D. degree in psychology from Washington State University before 1970. He taught psychology classes for three years in the early 1970s at North Idaho Junior College.

For many years Ray ran spotlights at the Spokane Coliseum, Spokane Opera House, Spokane INB Performing Arts Center, Spokane Arena, and other venues. He saw many famous or well-known singers, musicians, and other performers in action, and on one occasion got to meet Elvis Presley, a singer he much admired. After Elvis finished the second of two concerts in Spokane, he and his entourage had to flee out the back door of the venue to avoid the hordes of screaming fans in attendance.

Ray played the guitar and cornet, and he shared his musical interests with his brothers, Dick and Joe. He played in a dance band at the Elks Club for several years, and he also ran a talent show. Ray enjoyed hunting, golfing, photography, and woodworking.

Because Ray's mother, Amelia, was one of nine children, Ray had a wonderful array of cousins, uncles, and aunts, in addition to his Garcea relatives. Ray, who had a "million dollar" smile, was aptly named. Wherever he went, he brought a ray of sunshine, with his energetic personality, gentle nature, bright intellect, keen interest in others, and willingness to help his relatives and others in times of need.

Tributes and condolences for Raymond Garcea can be made to Hennessey Funeral Home & Crematory, 2023 N. Division, Spokane, WA 99207, hennesseyfuneralhomes.com and (509) 328-2600.