Raymond Kenneth Cuccia Sr.

Born in New Orleans, LA on August 10, 1930, Ray spent most of his younger life in New Orleans, later moving to Kenner, LA. Ray was the last surviving member of his birth family.

Ray attended Redemptorist High School; at 16 years old, he began sailing as a merchant marine. He loved the water and retired from the Seafarers International Union in 1995. He joined the Army at 22 years old and served for 2 years. Because of his adventurous nature, Ray loved traveling the world, taking on different types of jobs, and meeting people from all walks of life. He loved talking, reminiscing, and sharing stories with everyone, which usually ended with much laughter. His impeccable memory allowed him to remember names and dates with perfect accuracy. He was an expert at auto mechanics and working on lawn equipment. If he did not know how to fix something, he would analyze the problem then figure out how to make it work again.

Ray loved dancing; he met and fell in love with his wife, Juanita, at a local dance hall and they were married for 66 years, and would raise 3 loving children together.

Ray is survived by his daughters, Rosalyn Cuccia and Robyn Cuccia Dragon (Devin) and his grandchildren, Sayge Venezia Dragon, Seth Michael Dragon, Sherry Cuccia Dore’ (Aymar), Stephanie Cuccia Brown (James), Chad Cuccia (Kate), and Damon Cuccia (Crystal). He is also survived by many cherished friends, family, and neighbors.

Ray is preceded in death by his loving wife, Juanita Venezia Cuccia, his son, Raymond Kenneth Cuccia, Jr., and grandson Wade Cuccia. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Anna Wagner Cuccia and Jacob J. Cuccia, his brothers and sisters, Carolyn Cuccia Mason, Jacob Cuccia, Jr., Jay Cuccia, Lorraine Brumfeild Guarino, and Joyce Cuccia Wautlet, and many beloved four-legged companions.

Ray was loved by so many and will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with him. The memories of him and the stories he told will live on in all of us. A private gathering will be held for immediate family at a later date.