Raymond Emmanuel Gonzalez

    Ray was born on December 24, 1924, in Pasadena, California. He passed peacefully in his home, surrounded by love, after celebrating his 100th birthday last Christmas Eve. He has joined his beloved wife of 68 years, Ernestine “Ernie” Fraide, who preceded him in death on June 2, 2017.

    He will forever be lovingly remembered by his sister Mary; sons Carl, Paul (Larry), Greg (Cheryl), Rick (Lili), Chris, and Phil (Rhonda); and Caroline “Pepi”; grandchildren Sharline, Gabriel (Jessica), Adrienne (Gilad), Genevieve “Vivi”, Aleah (Scott), Andrew (Natalie), Nick (Lana), Michael (Laurie), and Wes; great-grandchildren Dayton, Keaton, Thailyn, Graecyn, Pierce, Hudson, Helena, Louisa, Sylvie, and Penn; and by niece Laura and nephew John, and many cousins, friends and all those whose lives he touched.

    Ray joined the Army and fought in World War II, where he was severely wounded. After the war, he developed a deep interest in international affairs. Upon his return to the U.S., he attended USC. On a blind date, he met Ernie and that’s how their story began. They married, and he went on to the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where he earned his M.A. In Washington D.C., he worked at the Library of Congress before joining the U.S. Department of State, launching a distinguished diplomatic career. He eventually rose to the rank of Ambassador to Ecuador, appointed by President Jimmy Carter. The Gonzalez family was born as they lived around the world:  Washington D.C., Ecuador, Italy, Luxembourg, Belgium, Virginia, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, and then coming full circle back to Ecuador. After retiring, he continued his service with the U.S. Department of State by leading Inspection teams to various countries, sometimes accompanied by Ernie. They decided to retire in California, where he served as a foreman for the Grand Jury in San Diego in the mid-90s, taught ESL to members of his church, participated in the World Affairs Council, and served on an advisory council at California State University San Marcos.

    Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at St. Marks Roman Catholic Church, 1147 Discovery St., San Marcos, CA 92078; (760) 744-1540 on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, beginning at 10:30: Viewing; mass: 11:00 -12:00; Military Honors and presentation of the flag to follow, with a reception at Rick and Lili’s home (address to be provided at church).

    In lieu of flowers, you may want to consider a charitable donation to The Carter Center, founded by President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter. President Carter appointed Ray to the position of Ambassador. Coincidentally, they were the same age, and Ray strongly supported all the good work performed by The Carter Center.

https://cartercenter.org/honor

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