Raymond B. Pacioni, 81, of Scottsdale, Arizona, died peacefully on March 25, 2020 following a short but vigorous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his immediate family and fiancée. Born November 7, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois, he was preceded in death by his parents, Isabelle Pacioni (LaMantia) and Ronald F. Pacioni of Scottsdale, Arizona.
Ray, as he was known to his friends, attended Leyden Community High School in 1956. In 1960, he married Patricia Ann Leonardo, and enlisted in the Army. Ray later enlisted in the Arizona Air National Guard as a reservist. He served overseas in France and Germany. After returning from his service, Ray attended Phoenix College gaining his Associates Degree, then proudly attended and graduated with his Bachelor of Science from the University of Oklahoma.
Ray was a dreamer, and he loved to dream big. During his career as a developer, he built golf courses, residential lofts and successfully owned and managed the Fairmount Corporation Real Estate & Investments. In 2004, Ray was honored by the Cooper Square, Downtown Phoenix, by receiving the “Unsung Hero” award for his significant efforts to revitalize downtown Phoenix.
Ray enjoyed the company of good friends. He had a ready laugh and liked a good joke. He loved his weekly poker game. His poker friends, some dating back over 30 years, remained a wonderful source of support in the latter months of Ray’s life. Ray loved watching sports; football, basketball, hockey. But baseball was his favorite, and he loved the Chicago Cubs.
After 54 years of marriage, Ray’s wife Patricia passed away in 2015. Two years later, Ray met Joanne Archangelo. They soon became inseparable, and eventually became engaged. It is said Ray was fortunate to have been loved by two angels.
Ray is survived by; daughter Jeannine M. Pacioni; sons Joseph Raymond Pacioni and Ronald John (Gabriela) Pacioni; five grandchildren, Sophia Marie, Gianna Simone, Nicolas John, Dominic Justin, and Gabriel Alexander; sister Inez Valesh and brother Ronald Pacioni; step-grandchildren, Daniel Olguin and Victoria Olguin.
Visitation will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, in Phoenix, on Monday, March 30, 2020 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, scripture and funeral services are limited to 10 members of the immediate family. A celebration of Ray’s life will be held in the fall. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Donna Koopman
Dear Family,
Ray was a wonderful person as well as Mama P. My husband and I always enjoyed Thursday night Buffets at the Arizona American Italian Club especially when you guys showed up and Sophia, Nico, Dylan and Sydney got together. They sure knew how to keep the Club hopping as well as the Grandparents and Parents. That was over 20 years ago! Because of Papa and Mama P you had a wonderful upbringing that will last your lifetime. Losing them was terrible but don’t forget the wonderful legacy they left you. God Bless all of you.
Ron F. Pacioni Jr.
I am writing this to our brother Ray’s immediate family from my sister Inez, her husband Frank (Bud) and my wife “Charlie” and I. Our brother Ray was an amazing man who touched so many in positive ways. He was strong and the pillar and backbone of the family. We will miss his strength, generosity and light up the room smile. unfortunately will not able to attend but send the rest of the family much love during this terrible time. We loved our brother deeply and will always hold him in our hearts.
Inez Valesh, Frank Valesh, Ron F. Pacioni Jr., Mary Jane “Charlie” Pacioni
Margaret Mullen
As the founding CEO of the non profit charged with the revitalization of Downtown Phoenix, I got to know Ray very well in the 1990. He was one of the most professional, caring and honest developers I had the pleasure of working with. I stayed in touch with him occasionally–last saw him at the restaurant he bought, where he introduced me to his grand-kids. A lovely family all around. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Jim and Doris Grenier
Dear Jeannine, Joey, Ronnie, Inez and Ron,
Please know that our love and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your father and brother Ray along with Pat were our most favorite friends for many years. We, as well as all his many friends, join you in not only mourning this great loss but also happily reflecting on all the wonderful good times together.
God Bless!!
Jim and Doris Grenier
Joe and Jean Bettini
Joe and I have fond memories of Ray and Pat We had a friendship that spanned some 40 yrs.Those memories are filled with fun and laughter. Ray’s ever ready smile and sense of humor made him dear to all of,us.
vince salotti
Sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. I’ve know Ray for many years, going back to our days in Customer Service for Motorola SPS at 52nd. St. and McDowell.
Ray was a good man in all respects. Good husband, father, friend, etc.
Our prayers and sympathy are with Ray’s family. Peace and God Bless. May he rest in Peace!
Vince & Karen Salotti
Bernard Buffenstein
Very sorry. My condolences to the family
Sergio y Norma Cuellar
Querida Prima para ti y para Ron nuestras más sentidas condolencias esperando y pidiendo mucho para que pronto encuentren resignación en estos tan duros momentos.
Les mando muchos abrazos y estarán todos en mis oraciones.