Raymond R. Gemma Sr.

86, of Cranston, passed away on Saturday December 18, 2021. He was the beloved husband of 63 years to Marguerite (Margie) Gemma. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Rocco and Mary Gemma. He is survived by his three children, Raymond of Narragansett, Richard of Cranston, and Loren and her husband Stephen Stabile of Warwick. Raymond was the cherished grandfather to his grandchildren, Stephanie, Luke, Noah, Angela, Ben & Michael. He was the dear brother of Mariann McCourt of Narragansett, Bernie Gemma of Arizona, and the late Guy Gemma.

Raymond was a graduate of Holy Ghost School, St Raphael Academy and St Anslem College.  While at St Raphael’s, he excelled as a multi-sport, all state athlete, and earned the RI Amateur Baseball League most valuable player award. Ray parlayed his athletic ability into a lifelong career as an athletic director, teacher and coach at Central High School(CHS).  Under Ray’s leadership, CHS produced several State and New England championships. More importantly, for decades, Ray acted as a mentor and an advisor for inner city students improving their lives through his unwavering love, compassion, and concern for their wellbeing. Ray’s contributions at CHS have been recognized through his induction into the Sons of Italy Hall of Fame, the RI Coaches Hall of Fame, the RI Athletic Directors Hall of Fame, and the Central High School Hall of Fame.

Ray’s life centered around his love for his faith, family, and friends. He was a devout catholic, active parishioner of St Mary’s Parish and served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and a Senior Acolyte. Ray loved spending time with his grandchildren, cheering for them at sporting events, creating CD’s in Gem studios and devising fun trivia games for holiday gatherings. Ray also enjoyed his friends at the YMCA, the bocce tournaments at the Pines of Delray West and his lifelong friendships with his Holy Ghost classmates.  Margie was the love of Ray’s life and Ray often stated, if there was a Hall of Fame Award for Wives, she’d be an annual recipient.

His funeral will be held from NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory  1278 Park Ave, Cranston on Thursday, December 23rd at 10:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St Mary’s Church, Cranston at 11:00am. Burial will take place at St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS will be held on Wednesday, December 22, from 4:00-7:00pm, masks are required.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St Mary’s Church Memorial Fund 1525 Cranston St., Cranston.