Ray Vasquez
Ray Steve Vasquez entered into rest on February, 27, 2025, surrounded by love and comforted by the fullness of God’s grace. He lived a colorful life during his 55 years that is impossible to encapsulate in a few short paragraphs. But here are some highlights. Born to Oralia and Reynaldo Vasquez on July 30, 1969, Ray lived briefly in Oceanside, CA as a child but spent his formative years in San Antonio, TX. A graduate of Highlands High School, he ran the streets amok during adolescence, saw the coolest bands and wrestlers as an usher at shows, and worked hard at local grocery stores. He joined the Navy after graduation and served honorably until his retirement 20 years later. During his service, he traveled the world—Australia, Singapore, Kuwait, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and the list goes on and on—and formed lasting bonds with his shipmates. He partied in Abu Dhabi, helped with clean-up after the 2004 tsunami, and got pelted with pebbles by a mysterious creature while jogging in Alaska (or so he claims LOL).
His life changed when he walked into the local Kentucky Fried Chicken while stationed in Long Beach, California. Lo and behold, the chicken clerk would turn out to be his future ex-wife. They spent some time kanoodling and eventually hatched four eggs of their own—Elizabeth, Ray Jr., Mattew and Larisa. After an untimely divorce years later, Ray continued his role as father of the year, devoting his entire being to ensuring his children lived a comfortable life. He gave his children free rein to be themselves, even if it made his eyes roll. He eventually settled in Chula Vista, where he enjoyed his work with NAVFAC SW as a Crane and Rigging Ammo Specialist. He was grateful to work among such a great group of people.
Ray was an avid wresting fan and got to live out his dream in the ring by wrestling in matches across the border. His signature head-butt move will go down in history. He was crazy about his grandson Ezekiel and cared lovingly for his pit bulls Zeus, Maiden, who passed before him–guiding him into the next realm, and Naga and Appa, who miss him deeply. He was an amazing son and big brother to his three sisters and leaves them with endless hilarious memories of his antics.
Ray was greeted on the other side by his father, Reynaldo Vasquez; maternal grandparents, Petra and Mateo Lara; and paternal grandparents, Esther and Ramon Vasquez. He is survived by his four children, Elizabeth Vasquez, Ray Vasquez Jr., Matthew Vasquez and Larisa Vasquez; his mother, Oralia Vasquez; and three sisters, Dr. Debra Vasquez, Cynthia Vasquez (Sean Grant), and Joann Vasquez (Brad Smith). He also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who love him.
Because Ray was larger than life, two services are needed to celebrate his legacy. For those in California, please join us on March 10, 2025, between 10 am to 2 pm at Care Center Cremation and Burial, 7403 Princess View Dr., San Diego, CA 92120. In lieu of flowers, we
invite you to honor Ray by making a donation in his memory to one of the following animal charities. He was a huge advocate for pit bulls, and supporting this cause is a meaningful tribute to his spirit. Passion for Pitties (https://passionforpitties.com/) It’s the Pits Dog Rescue (https://itsthepits.rescuegroups.org/info/index) San Diego Humane Society (https://www.sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets/) Alamo City Pit Bull Rescue ( https://alamocitypitbull.org/)
Ray will eventually be laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX. Details for that service will be posted when available.