Raymond J. Patala

Raymond J. Patala obituary, Apopka, FL

Raymond J. Patala

Raymond Patala Obituary

Visit the Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center website to view the full obituary.
Raymond J. Patala was born on August 14, 1949 in Rome, New York and died on July 13, 2025, in Ormond Beach, Florida at the age of 75.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Rose Marie Patala.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Sue Ellen Banich Patala, his only sibling and brother, Robert Patala and his wife Barbara of Somerville, South Carolina; nieces Jennifer, Mary and Katherine; was close through his wife's family, Robert and Regina Dunemann of Louisburg, NC, Paul and Judy Trotter of Powell, TN, and many cousins in Florida and New York.
Ray graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology Hoboken New Jersery class of 1972. Ray was an engineer for the Naval Civil Service during the length of his career. He loved reading and the study of history, from the Peloponnesian wars through, Roman, Greek and later wars of Britain, France, Germany and the United States. Ray could recite the names of the leaders, generals and commanders of Army's where skirmishes took place and major battles, who won or lost. He was a wonderful storyteller embued with his wonderful exceptional memory. He always loved playing board games, chess, backgammon and even playing word games. He did not like to lose. He will be forever missed.
A private graveside inurnment service will be held in the future.
Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center

405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587

Make a Donation
in Raymond Patala's name

Plan and Price a Funeral

Create a funeral plan and price estimate in less than 5 minutes.

How to support Raymond's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Raymond Patala's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Plan and Price a Funeral

Create a funeral plan and price estimate in less than 5 minutes.