Ray grew up, raised his family, worked and retired just where he wanted to be: on the family farm where he owned and operated a dairy with his father and brother.
He has been married to his wife and best friend for 44 years. Together they raised a daughter and son in San Benito County.
Ray enjoyed being with his family, spending time with his four grandchildren, playing Pedro, having a polenta dinner, welding in his shop, riding his John Deere Gator, watching the Dallas Cowboys (win), visiting and meeting his friends at the Donuts and Deli Shop on Sunday.
Ray liked taking road trips across the country and staying in touch with relatives and old friends. He was a past member of the Young Farmers and Elks Club. He served on the Sacred Heart School Board, the San Benito County Grand Jury, the Elections Vote-By-Mail Board and belonged to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Parish. His faith gave him strength and guided him through life’s challenges.
He was a kind, thoughtful man with a big smile and a positive attitude. He will be missed dearly.He is preceded in death by his father, Fred Lanini, mother, Elvira Lanini and brother Dan Lanini. He is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis of Hollister, his son, Geof (Audra) of Hollister, daughter, Lisa Silacci (Mark) of Salinas and grandchildren, Gianna, Nico, Joe and Dean all of Salinas and his cousins, Gloria Eller (Jim) of Carmichael, Diane Collins of Hollister, Jeanie Dalcerri of Nipomo and Cathy Dalbey of Nipomo.
Friends can pay their respects on Sunday, June 10, 2012, from 1:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Black Cooper Sander Funeral Home. We invite family and friends to join us for a Mass in honor of Ray on Monday, June 11, 2012, at 10:00 A.M. at Immaculate Conception Church in Tres Pinos. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.Donations are preferred to Immaculate Conception Church or Notre Dame High School Foundation, 455 Palma Drive, Salinas, CA 93901.
Condolences: www.blackcoopersander.com
