The world lost a one-of-a-kind when Raymond Joseph Saldi, Sr. passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025. Born in Barre, Vermont on July 28, 1940, Ray had an unusual childhood that included living with extended family and at a Jesuit monastery for periods of time. After graduating from Mount Assumption Catholic High School, Ray enlisted in the US Air Force and did a tour of Asia in between the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. This first taste of international travel led him to pursue a global career with General Electric, where he worked as a Financial Analyst and then Project Manager. His career afforded him amazing opportunities to travel the world, working on hydro-electric power plants and aeronautic manufacturing facilities in various countries. He was proud to finish his college degree in Accounting from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia after 14 years of study.

A gregarious character who would give you the shirt off his back if he was wearing one, Ray was the life of any party. Entertaining was a particular passion of his as was cooking. Many recall his famous "flyaway birds" appetizers and full pig roasts. He hosted a cheesy wine party with his daughter for many years, much to the delight of friends and neighbors, and he doted on his beautiful but airheaded Siberian husky, Georgie. A devout Catholic, Ray gave his life to Jesus Christ in his later years.

Ray retired from GE after 30 years of service and devoted his time to building his dream home, tending his considerable garden, supporting Native American and Veteran causes, and pursuing his Italian citizenship through the Juris Sanguin of his paternal lineage. Bold and outspoken, Ray was delighted to see the return of President Trump to the Oval Office and let everyone know who entered his home exactly what and whom he stood for: USA! USA! USA!

Ray is survived by his children, Raymond Joseph Saldi, Jr. and Dr. Suzanne Garber (Christopher) along with granddaughter Arianna Saldi, grandniece Autumn Ruiz (Victor), brother Ronald Saldi (Cindy), and nieces Shawn Stape, Julie Henderson, and Anne Marie Lamson. A private celebration of life is planned for invited family and friends.