A burial service was held at Riverview Abbey Friday, August 18, 2017 for Ray who passed away on the cusp of his 100th year surrounded by loved ones in his home. Ray immigrated with his parents to Portland via Vancouver, B.C. and the coal mining area of Serene, Colorado.

Ray graduated from Commerce High School (now Cleveland) during the depths of the depression. There he met the love of his life, Jacqueline (Swihart) Gentile. They were married September 19, 1941 just as the United States was entering WWII.

Ray was attached to the 11th Naval Division working as a master electrician during the war preparing ships for Great Britain. Years later, he was honored for his efforts in the British Isles. Ray turned his attention after the war to the new, fast growing automobile business where he pioneered the auto leasing and rental industry in Portland with his company, Empire Auto Leasing. He was associated with Ford through Joe Fisher Ford, and others. Ray was a lifetime and charter member of Elks Lodge #142 and affiliated with the Masons Lodge # 174. Together with other alumni of Commerce High School, a perpetual scholarship fund was established for deserving Cleveland High graduates that they may achieve a higher education.

Ray and Jackie loved the company of good friends, dancing, music, good food, and above all, his family. He has left his family with memories of a man who instilled the importance of taking care of each other and being honorable in your actions. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, godfather, uncle, respected employee, jovial neighbor, and friend to so many.

Throughout his life, he loved to travel with Jackie and through his work with Ford and her work with The Oregonian, they covered the globe, including Canada, Hawaii, Jamaica, Mexico, The British Isles, Spain, France, Hong Kong and mainland China. He fondly remembered his 80th birthday with the family in Italy, where he shared walks through the family village of Acciano and Castel d’Irei with his granddaughter who shared the same birthdate.

Ray is survived by his wife of 76 years, Jacqueline; son, Ray Gentile Jr. of Las Vegas; daughter, Jo-Lynne Gentile Hamilton (Bill); and son, Tre Gentile of Portland; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, John; and his sister, Genevra.

You are invited to join the family for his “angel party” from 3:30–5:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 20, 2017, at the Multnomah Athletic Club to share stories and celebrate his life.

“Angel Party”

3:30 PM – 5:30 PM ,Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Multnomah Athletic Club