Raymond J. Zaida, 91, of Goleta, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.
He was born in Crivitz, Wisconsin, on Jan. 13, 1934 to the late Frank and Eleanor (nee Sok) Zaida, where he grew up on the family farm.
Ray worked on the farm throughout his childhood, baling hay, milking cows, and planting and harvesting other crops. He helped to build the family’s new home.
After graduating from high school, Ray joined the Army, serving for two years. After he was discharged from the Army, he married the love of his life Patricia. They were married nearly 60 years before she passed away.
Ray worked 34 years for subsidiaries of General Motors throughout his career. His job moved the family from Wisconsin to Southern California and eventually to Goleta. Ray was involved in the Apollo project among many others.
Ray enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. He and Pat traveled in their motor home and camped often with the Caravaneers from the Elks Club.
Ray never lost his love for farming. He often used vacation time to go to Eastern Washington and help family friends with the wheat harvest. While in Washington, he enjoyed fishing with his brother-in-law Frank.
Ray also joined other Delco retirees in making wooden toys for the Unity Shoppe. He volunteered at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, and volunteered at St. Raphael Church, serving as an usher.
Ray is survived by his children Yvonne (Rusty) Fachner, Dan (Jackie) Zaida, Robert Zaida, Kathy Grimes and Sandra (Trahern) Fox; 11 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sister-in-law Angela (late Walter) Zaida; and brother-in-law Frank (Carol) Nemec.
He is preceded in death by his wife Patricia; his parents; his wife’s parents Frank and Lena Nemec; his brother Walter Zaida; and sister and brother-in-law Elizabeth and Robert Francour.
A rosary for Raymond J. Zaida will be said at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12 at St. Raphael Church, 5444 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara.
A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13 at St. Raphael Church, followed by a gathering in the church hall. Inurnment will be held privately by the family at Calvary Cemetery in Santa Barbara.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to your favorite charity in Ray’s name.