Ray R. Brunacini

Raymond R. Brunacini, Sr, age 94, passed in the early hours of Saturday, October 16, 2021. Ray was born on Thursday, September 8, 1927 in Jamestown, New York, and moved to Albuquerque with his family in 1934. He graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1945 and joined the Army in November, following the military footsteps of his sister, Lola and brother, Vincent. Thankfully, as the war was almost over, he did not see combat, and was honorably discharged in November 1946.

In July 1948, Ray married his high school sweetheart, Jackie Briar. Their first child was born in 1950 and as their family grew, they moved from their first home in the SE heights to the NW valley. The fifth and last child was born in 1957.

In 1954 Ray and his brother and father established Brunacini Appliances. His Uncle Jim joined him in partnership in 1957. Ray sold his interest in Brunacini Appliances in 1968 to pursue a career in real estate, ultimately becoming a broker and starting his own agency. This experience was helpful when he went to work as a contractor for FHA/HUD doing appraisal reviews. He also owned a jewelry manufacturing business that made SW style jewelry. He enjoyed going to Arizona and other nearby locations in search of turquoise. As the turquoise supply decreased, he developed a process for stabilizing less hardened stones.

He and Jackie divorced in 1970. In 1978 he and Irene Padilla had a daughter, completing his family.

Ray was very proud and supportive of his children and their accomplishments. Ray enjoyed fishing, camping, and traveling, especially to visit with his grandchildren to celebrate special occasions and holidays.

Ray was preceded in death by his father, Charles; mother, Jennie; sister, Lola (husband, Irv, deceased); and brother, Vincent (wife, Gloria, deceased).

Ray is survived by his six children, Cathi, Ray Jr, Michael, Jennie, Lori, and Rachel; as well as eleven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Ray spent his final 18 months, including the time of the COVID shutdown, in the Senior Care Solano House with additional care provided by the High Desert Hospice. The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the staff and caregivers of those fine organizations, who not only cared for him but cared about him. He knew he was loved even when his family couldn't see him due to the pandemic.

Ray will always be remembered by family and friends for his witty sense of humor, work ethic, generosity, and kindness.