Obituary of Raymond J Ricafort

With heavy hearts we share that our family’s rock-star, Raymond Ricafort, passed away on Tuesday, July 2^nd, at the age of 53.  He peacefully soared to new heights with an all-access VIP pass to heaven, surrounded by loved ones and things he cherished, while his favorite music played.  He leaves behind the legacy of his big beautiful dimpled smile, warm infectious laugh and adventurous spirit that will live on in the hearts of the countless lives he touched.  Raymond is survived by his beloved parents, Luz Bagtas Ricafort and Renato Z. Ricafort of Montville, NJ, his sister, Rosanna Ricafort, (h. Ebben Smith) of Glen Rock, NJ, and his brother Robert Ricafort (w. Elizabeth Shaw Ricafort) of Denville, NJ.  Ray Ray’s profound love extended to his nieces and nephews Isabella, Devin, Joelle, Milo and Chloe.

Born in Passaic and raised in Fairfield, NJ, Ray was a graduate of West Essex High School, class of 1989, and went on to receive a Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing, from Rutgers University.  His career as an account executive of mobile services for T-Mobile and other communications businesses enabled him to spread his technical expertise and joyous demeanor throughout the New York City region.

Ray Ray is well-known in various music, sports and entertainment communities.  He was a loyal member of the KISS army, “the mayor” as the band members called him, traveling with friends to various KISS events, including the famous KISS Kruises, ever enlarging his circle of thousands of friends who shared in his passion for the 1970’s rock band.  The wrestling community also embraced him, as he followed the WWF then WWE all around the country, becoming close friends with professional wrestlers and their fans who sought out Ray’s company.  Ray Ray had the unique ability to turn acquaintances into friends, making folks from all walks of life feel a sense of belonging and joy in celebrating life in whatever crew he created, whether it be watching the NY Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, Jets, Rangers, going to celebrity signings or simply just hanging out sharing genuine moments together.

Services to honor Raymond’s life and legacy will be held on Sunday, July 7^th at 4-8pm at Festa Memorial, 111 Union Blvd, Totowa, NJ 07512.  Funeral services on Monday, July 8^th will commence at 8:30am at Festa with a religious ceremony to follow at 9:30am at The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, 381 Grand St, Paterson, NJ 07505.  He will laid to his final resting place at Holy Sepulchre Roman Catholic Mausoleum, 52 Totowa Rd, Totowa, NJ 07512.

Ray Ray’s life was a testament to the power of love, true friendship, and pureness of heart.  He will be deeply missed by thousands, but the adventures he took and the memories he created will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.  He will rock on forever.