Ray Pusedu

ray pusedu

March 13, 1934 ~ February 22, 2020

Born in: Trinidad, CO
Resided in: Pueblo, CO

Ray Pusedu, 85, born March 13, 1934, to Raymond and Jennie Pusedu, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 22, 2020.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Shirley Pusedu; children, Dan Pusedu, De (Marty) Gersick, John Pusedu, Mike Pusedu and Rae Ann (Mike) Blazer; grandchildren, Santino, Maria (Jason), Tony, Jahna, Mia, Trevor (Alea); great-grandchildren, Ty, Chase and Tenisyn; sister, Joann Virant; sister-in-law, Elaine Pusedu; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Victor and Mary Jacques; and siblings, Mary (Tony) DeAngelis, Virginia (Matt) Karcich, Lena (Mike) Pecoraro, Tony Ramunno, Violet (Buster) Martinelli, John Pusedu, Elizabeth (John) Klafurich, Ellen (Robert) Hull, Pete (Fern) Pusedu, Joe Pusedu, Richard Virant, Dolores Wilking and Eugene Jacques.

Ray graduated from Central High School in 1953, where he was an All-American Football player and All-State Wrestler. Upon graduation, he joined the US Marine Corps., served in the Korean War then attended the University of Denver on a football and wrestling scholarship. When he returned, he started his career at the Pueblo Army Depot. In 1964, he and lifelong best friend, Sam Dazzio, established Sam and Ray’s Pizza, one of Pueblo’s most memorable eating establishments. Ray was also co-owner of CBS Lumber and Red Dolly Casino in Blackhawk.

Ray’s volunteer efforts within the Pueblo community were just as significant as his career accomplishments. He was a visionary board member of Runyon Field. By spearheading numerous field improvements and expansions he was inducted into the Runyon Field Hall of Fame. In appreciation of those accomplishments, the Ray Pusedu Field was established in his honor. He was an original founder of the Pueblo Italian Invitational Golf Tournament. One of the longest standing tournaments in Colorado, which continues to raise thousands of dollars for athletic scholarships through the CSU-Pueblo Foundation. Ray was honorably inducted into the Greater Pueblo Sports Hall of Fame and the Central High School Hall of Fame. He received the Sons of Italy State Golden Lion Award, honored on June 4, 2011, known as Ray Pusedu Day.

Ray represented the best of Pueblo! He always wanted everyone around him to have success and did more for others than he did for himself. His legacy is: a beautiful family, the many lives he impacted and his generosity to the community. He will be greatly missed but will remain forever in the hearts of all who loved him.

Special thanks to Drs. Jensen and Gaide, Rachel, Myra, Paul “Sparky”, Michelle, the emergency responders at Fire Station #7, but none more so than the unwavering commitment from his son, Danny “Jake.”

Funeral mass, 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, at Shrine of St. Therese Church, 300 Goodnight Ave., with Fr. Steven Murray officiating. Entombment, Roselawn Cemetery.

Donations may be payable to the Ray Pusedu Memorial Fund, c/o Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO  81003 to support Pueblo youth baseball/softball. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com

Services

Funeral Mass: February 28, 2020 10:00 am

Shrine of St. Therese
300 Goodnight Ave.
Pueblo, CO 81004

719-542-1552

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Ray Pusedu 's name.

Please see obituary for memorial details

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  1. Der einmalig beste Opa den man sich vorstellen kann! Seine Liebe und Güte war einfach überragend und ab dem ersten kennenlernen hat er einen festen Platz in meinem Herzen bekommen! Die Erinnerungen bleiben- leider nicht mehr ! Und kein Wort der Welt kann das beschreiben welchen Verlust du für mich bedeutest! Leb wohl Papa – hoffentlich sehen wir uns irgendwann wieder! Hdl

  2. Shirley & Family,
    To a classmate & teammate, rest in peace. You will always be remembered by us as a great athlete, business man, generous contributor to our town, & a wonderful family man. It was a pleasure knowing you.

  3. Shirley and Family,
    We are so sorry to hear about Ray. He was loved by all of you and so well respected in our community. Sending prayers that you will all find comfort in a life time of loving memories. Rae Ann, I sent your dad’s obituary to Kevin in SD and he sends his condolences to you and your family.
    With sincere sympathy,
    Helen and Gordon Murley

  4. Please accept our heartfelt condolences at the loss of your husband and father. Your family will always be in our prayers. It has been an honor to have the Pusedu family as our neighbors and to have know such a charitable and loving family.

  5. Ray was a great man and my friend we had a lot of good times together I am really going to miss you love you buddy until we meet again Rest In Peace my friend

  6. All the Krasovecs loved all the next-door Pusedus. We weren’t only neighbors, we were family. Peace to Ray and to all the family.
    Carol Krasovec

  7. Shirley, Dan, John, RaeAnn, De & Mike.

    So sorry to hear of your loss and my condolences go out to the entire family. Ray was one of those people who complemented Pueblo as one of the good people of the community. Someone who wanted the best for the community.

    We all have fond memories of our high school days. After the Friday night South High game, and then going to Sam & Rays for pizza and a Pepsi. Mr P would be standing in that narrow entry way of the restaurant with his arms crossed. You knew that if you got out of line you would be in big trouble. Mr P would reel you in and call your parents.

    Rest In peace Mr P. You really made a difference. God Bless to the family. Ted Vinci and family.


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