Raymond Alfred Ghilarducci

RAYMOND ALFRED GHILARDUCCI Raymond Alfred "PeeWee" Ghilarducci passed away March 27, 2015 in Eureka, at the age of 85. Ray was born June 26, 1929 in Rio Dell, California to Frank and Josephine DeValle Ghilarducci. He lived his entire life in Rio Dell, Fortuna and Eureka, except for his time in the army. Ray was a member of the 1947 graduating class of Fortuna Union High School, and attended many class reunions. He entered into the United States Army on Jan. 9,1951 during the Korean War, and served in Okinawa until his honorable discharge on Dec. 24,1952. He returned home to his family in time to surprise them for Christmas. He enjoyed his time in the army, and made many special friends whom he stayed in touch with all these years. Ray and Maureen Toole were married July 7,1958, and would have celebrated 45 years of marriage when she passed June, 2003. Ray was active in Rio Dell and Scotia community baseball, helping to organize the first local Little League and Babe Ruth teams. He also started and coached the first American Legion baseball team. Early in 1953, he joined to the American Legion Victor Soares Post # 756. He was the Commanding Officer of the small post for many years-selling fireworks with the members (and Maureen). He was instrumental in the selection of the 8th grade boys and girls for the Boy's and Girl's State convention. Ray worked for the Pacific Lumber Company for 46 years, retiring as the town's plumber. Anyone with a shower head that they needed to duck to rinse their hair know - that one was installed by Ray. One of Ray's proudest life accomplishments and commitments was being a member of the Rio Dell Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed serving his community with his brother, David, and their friends in the department. The brothers were instrumental in building the fire hall where it is located now, and establishing the fire department's involvement with Wildwood Days and the Mother's Day pancake breakfast. Ray was proud to have been named Fireman of the Year twice - once while an active member of the department, and a second time after his retirement, as First Assistant Chief. His 44 years as a volunteer firefighter began when he was just 16 years old. Ray was named Rio Dell Citizen of the Year in 1991, and was the Grand Marshal of the Wildwood Days parade in 2012. Ray moved to Timber Ridge, Eureka in July 2007. There he was on the safety committee, adding his unique fire and civil defense experience. He was voted the Valentine King at Timber Ridge - with his special friend, Dona Columbero as the Valentine Queen. He was a dedicated fan of the Giant's, 49ers, and Warriors. Ray, his brother David, and the RDVFD spent many days and hours during the 1964 flood helping to evacuate people, their homes and animals to safety. He was one of the first to drive over Blue Slide Rd. from Rio Dell to Ferndale after the flood. Ray is survived by his daughter Lyn Williams and her husband Jim of Eureka; by his granddaughter Amanda O'Neill, her husband Patrick and son Sean; by his granddaughter Tami Williams and her friend Bill Spurlock; by his sister Angie Silva and her husband Henry; his special sisters-in-law Josephine Ghilarducci ("the Boss" - according to Ray), and Liana Ghilarducci of San Mateo. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and their spouses, children and grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Maureen; his parents Frank and Josephine Ghilarducci; his brothers David and Robert; his in-laws Ross and Eunice Toole, and their son Allen. Ray's family would like to extend a very, heartfelt thank you to the excellent staff and friends at Timber Ridge, Eureka. According to Ray, if you couldn't live on your own, this was a good place to be. (He was spoiled rotten there!) We would also like to thank Hospice, and Dr. Tim Haskett for the care Ray received. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing Wednesday, April 1, 2015 from 2:00pm to 7:00pm, at Goble's Chapel, Fortuna. Vigil Services will also be Wednesday, April 1, 2015, at 7:00pm at Goble's Chapel, Fortuna. Graveside services will be Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 2:00pm, at Ocean View Cemetery/Veteran's Garden, Eureka. Casket bearers will be Ray's nephews: Ted Silva, Tim DeFazio, Scott DeFazio, Rich Ghilarducci, Mark Ghilarducci, Stephen Ghiiarducci, Dennis Ghilarducci, Walter Crawford, Tim Dias, Butch Dias, Jim East, and Matthew Shamblin. In lieu of floral arrangements, the family suggests donations be made in Ray's name to the donor's local volunteer fire department, or to Big Brother, Big Sisters - North Coast (Bowl for Kid's Sake), c/o 428 'C' St., Eureka, CA 95501 (707)445-4871, or to the charity of your choice . Arrangements are under the care of Goble's Fortuna Mortuary, Fortuna, California. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com under Obituaries. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/times-standard/obituary.

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