Ray Erasmo Lucido

Ray Erasmo Lucido of Carmel Valley, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and community servant, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula due to complications following open heart surgery. He was 83. Ray was born in the quaint seaside fishing village of Isola delle Femmine near Palermo, Sicily, on May 25, 1942. In 1960, he immigrated to the United States to live with his uncle Mario (Kay) Lucido of Hollister and his cousins Maria and Patty. He became a proud American citizen in 1968 and built a life defined by faith, family and service. In 1963, Ray married Patricia Azevedo of Monterey, the love of his life and partner of 62 years. Together they built a loving extended family and welcomed many  friends into that circle of love. They stood by each other through life’s greatest joys and deepest sorrows. Ray is survived by his son, Salvatore Lucido (Merrielle Krause) of Santa Rosa. He was preceded in death by his infant son, John Anthony Lucido, and his adopted son, Mario Cunha. He is also survived by his nieces, Shelly Allen of Texas and Sharon Silva of Carmel. Ray cherished his grandchildren, Domenico Lucido of San Luis Obispo and Sofia Lucido of Los  Angeles, who brought him boundless pride and joy. To them, he was known as “Poppi,” a name born from affection and carried with love. A gifted structural designer, Ray devoted nearly five decades to his craft. Outside the office, he was an avid tennis player and enthusiastic gardener. But his dedication to service was his hallmark:  a Jaycee in his younger years, a Little League coach in Carmel Valley, a long-time member and past president of the Salinas Northeast Rotary Club, a volunteer firefighter for nearly 25 years, and a lifelong chef for countless parish and community events. His faith and service found a spiritual  home at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Carmel Valley, where he was an active parishioner since 1971. Ray’s deep Sicilian roots never faded. He remained close with his extended family in Italy, returning often to Isola delle Femmine. He was preceded in death by his parents, Salvatore and Anna Lucido, and his brother, Pietro Lucido. He is survived by his brother, Antonino Lucido of Isola and sister, Nazzarena Billeci of Capaci, along with his many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins in Italy. Having arrived in America as a young man with big dreams and little English, Ray worked tirelessly to create a meaningful life — guided by determination, faith, perseverance and his uniquely special  sense of humor. Ray had a gift for making others feel welcome. His cooking —especially his cherished Christmas “Buon Natale” dinners complete with homemade cannoli — was legendary. But his favorite recipe may have been his warm smile and ever-cheerful disposition, often saying, “I’m fine and dandy, just like Christmas candy!” Ray lived by the Jaycees’ creed: “Faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life. Earth’s greatest treasure is the human personality. Service to humanity is the best work in life.” Ray’s legacy lives on, not only through his family, but also in the countless lives he touched — through his generosity, humor, mentorship and steadfast friendship. A Rosary Service will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025, followed by a Funeral Mass at  10 a.m. on Friday, July 18, both at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Carmel Valley, CA. A reception celebrating Ray’s remarkable life will follow. The Mass will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ray’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in his memory.For additional information, please email [email protected]. Mille Grazie, Ray. Your light and legacy will endure in all who had the privilege to know you