Ray Grillo was born January 23,1928. He was 96 years old when peacefully passed away on Saturday April 22 at his Laguna Woods home. He was ready for his next journey.

For those of us that were not around in 1928, here are few major events of the time.

· Herbert Hoover was President

· The Great Depression

· The internet was 55 years away

· Milk, $.35 a gallon

· Model A's from $385.

· Homes $3,900.

· First Air-Conditioned office

· Lou Gehrig collects 14 total bases with 2 triples, 2 home runs in a 15-7 win over the White Sox. And Ty Cobb steals home for the 54 ^th time.

He was the son of Michael Grillo and Ethel Rake. Born in Pittsburg PA and doomed to be a lifelong Steelers fan.

His father ran a large auto mobile dealership, and his mother's job was to take care of their children.

He served in the Army from April 1946 to October 1947. A WWII vet.

He married the love of his life Patricia Ann Alexander on August 1951. And together they shared more than 70 great years together.

Ray and Pat loved the outdoors, avid tennis players playing 5-6 days a week.

They also loved visiting the National Parks. In total there are 424 of them. Covering all 50 states. Ray and Pat hit them all.

She was a socialite, and he was a stick in the mud (her words not mine).

Having no children of their own they decided to host foreign exchange students from all over the world. Several of which they helped go on to become American citizens. But I was still their favorite (my words not theirs).

The one thing that brought them the most joy was their cats, Gina and Rocco. Both beautiful and full of spirit.

Ray was a devote catholic praying the rosary daily and sometimes more than once a day. He would receive Communion weekly from Barbara at St Nicklaus Catholic Church, and Father Phuong would stop in to hear Ray's confession.

His last outing was going to church on Easter Sunday, we had a nice brunch afterwards.

Having the privilege of being Ray's caregiver, my visits were commonly known as Ray Days. Knowing Ray loved the stock market, my best visits being the days the market was up.

I loved our long talks together. Several of which need few words.

Hungry Ray- "NO", but if I cut up an apple for him, he would eat it.

Want anything? "I like pizza". That meant I was off to get him a pizza.

When he asked me what time it was (at precisely 2pm with a smile) I knew it was cocktail hour. "Do you want another" meant I was having one whether I wanted one or not.

I cherished Ray and will miss him greatly. My joy is knowing he is finally where he wants to be. Home with his wife Pat.