Mr. Raymond E. DiClaudio Jr.

Raymond Edward DiClaudio Jr. passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025, at the age of 75 in Valdosta, Georgia. Ray was predeceased by his wife, Jone DiClaudio. He is survived by his beloved children, Angela Bishop and Raymond DiClaudio III; his adored grandchildren, Amber Miller (Paul), James Bishop III, Raymond DiClaudio IV, Samuel DiClaudio, and great-grandchild, Blaire Miller; his first wife and mother of his children, Bella DiClaudio; his stepmother, Kathleen DiClaudio; his aunt, Anita DeFino (Anthony); his siblings Dennis DiClaudio (Susan), Robert DiClaudio (Melissa), Michael DiClaudio, Bill Strang (Michiko), Lisa Ward (Jack); and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ray was born on December 31, 1949, in Camden, NJ, to the late Eleanor (nee Rouh) and Raymond E. DiClaudio, Sr.

Ray attended Woodrow Wilson High School (Class of 1969) and after graduation, enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Ray honorably served in the Navy for eight years, during which he had the opportunity to travel the globe and visit many countries, his favorite being the island of New Zealand. Most notably during Ray's career, he served as an aerographer's mate on the USS Inchon, spent six months in Antarctica with Operation Deep Freeze, and had the once-in-a-lifetime station at the South Pole. In his years following the Navy, Ray worked as a driver for the Philadelphia Daily News, delivering newspapers to businesses in the city of Philadelphia. He retired after a rewarding 25+ year career.

In 1975, Ray and his family established their home in Glassboro, NJ, where he lived for over thirty years. Ray's home on MacClelland Avenue was always known to be welcoming and the center of many memories for family, friends, and neighbors over the years. Ray was an involved member of the local community through coaching Glassboro Little League baseball, participating in a number of men's softball leagues, and as a member and Executive Board Trustee of Saint Anthony's Mutual Aid Society. He was affectionately known as "Buddha" by its members.

In Ray's later years, he met his late wife Jone, and together they made many memories in Edgewood, New Mexico; Valdosta, Georgia; and their favorite vacation spot, the Florida Keys. One of Ray's greatest pleasures was caring for the many dogs he and Jone had throughout their life together. His surviving dogs include Lily, Mrs. Peabody, and Max. Ray and Jone enjoyed many days taking in the tranquil scenery from the rocking chairs on their porch.

Throughout his life, Ray had many interests. He was known to constantly learn and immerse himself in many self-taught hobbies, which he pursued meticulously. As a result, Ray had incredible knowledge on many subjects and owned quite an established library. Foremost, Ray was an avid railroad and model train enthusiast and was a member of the Pennsylvania Railroad Club, among other train clubs. Ray also patiently assembled by hand his prized 1967 Stingray Corvette; enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially with his father and Uncle Ralph; cooking and recreating his grandmother's old Italian recipes, often sharing recipes with his brother, Denny; learning about history and attending Civil War reenactments with his brother, Bobby; and was a lifetime lover of animals, often having turtles, birds, dogs, or cats in his home as pets.

Ray also had passions for photography, which allowed him to capture New Zealand's natural beauty during his time there, computing in the 1980s, and notably, a love for music. Ray listened to a variety of music genres, could perfect any stereo system's audio settings, and played guitar and piano throughout his life. He also played harmonica and delighted in sharing sweet musical moments with his grandchildren when they were young.

Ray was truly one of a kind—he has been described as eclectic, kind-hearted, funny, and handsome. Ray loved his family and friends. He will be remembered with love and missed dearly by those who knew him.

A service to celebrate Ray's life will take place at Saint Anthony's Mutual Aid Society in Glassboro, New Jersey, in the upcoming months (Fall 2025). More information will be provided by Ray's family once determined. Family and friends will be invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray's memory can be mailed to St. Anthony's Mutual Aid Society (PO Box 731, Glassboro, NJ, 08028, Memo line “Ray DiClaudio”) or online to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (https://bestfriends.org, E-card recipient email Raymonddiclaudio@live.com).

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering"

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