Obituary of Raymond D'Arco Jr.

Raymond (“Ray”) D’Arco, Jr. age 63 of Oaklyn, NJ passed away peacefully on Tuesday January 21^st, 2025.  Ray was a loving caretaker of his fur baby Uma who he adored more than anything in this world.   He was born to Raimondo (Raymond) and Maria D’Arco (nee Branconi) (both predeceased).   Ray was the brother of Angelina Collepardi (Robert Collepardi) of Voorhees, NJ (both predeceased), Serafina D’Arco of San Benedetto del Tronto Italy (predeceased), Serafino (John) D’Arco (predeceased) (Filomena D’Arco)) of Blue Anchor, NJ and Emilia Olivo of Pennsauken, NJ.    Ray is survived by many wonderful nieces (5), nephews (2), great nieces (2), and great nephews (3).  Ray was blessed to have a plethora of truly amazing friends who he loved like family and who were always there for him in the good times and when he needed them the most.

Ray grew up in Pennsauken, NJ where he attended and graduated from Pennsauken High School.  He later pursued an interest in computers which led him to attend Associated Business Careers business school in Audubon, NJ.  Immediately after receiving his certification, he had an opportunity to pursue a job that turned into a lifelong career at Subaru of America Headquarters in Pennsauken, NJ.  Ray remained with Subaru of America Headquarters for 39+ years and was most recently the Claims Team Training Supervisor until his retirement just a few years ago. 

Ray will be remembered as a kind and compassionate person.  He loved art and animals, giving treats to and taking pictures of Uma, he was generous, resourceful, and a charitable person.    Ray enjoyed an occasional casino trip where he played Double Joker Poker and even got lucky a few times.  He enjoyed good food and trying out new restaurants.   He was an avid antique collector, and that hobby led him to many markets, auctions, and adventures in his free time.  Ray was a loyal friend, a dedicated employee and was elated to reconnect with family who loved him very much.  His favorite TV show was “Everybody Loves Raymond” which he enjoyed watching the old reruns quite often recently.  We know that Everybody DOES love Raymond as observed by the amount of love and support he has received by so many in his hardest of times.  Ray always loved the cartoon character Felix the Cat.  Although he recently strived to overcome many challenges and worked hard to navigate them to the best of his ability, we are reminded of a saying that Felix the Cat is known for: “A champion never lets anything stand in his way.”

Ray leaves a void in many hearts.  He is gone far too soon but will never be forgotten.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday January 31, 2025, at St. Stephens Roman Catholic Parish, 6306 Browning Road, Pennsauken Township, NJ 08109.  Family and friends are invited to gather starting at 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. followed by mass promptly starting at 10:30 a.m.    Interment will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery, 2398 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08002.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you take a moment and reflect on how precious and fragile life really is, make amends if possible and move forward.  Hug and spend time with those that mean the most to you.  Time waits for no one, and you never know when the last opportunity or moment will be. 

Donations can be made in honor of Raymond D’Arco to the Food Bank of South Jersey,  1501 John Tipton Blvd, Pennsauken Township, NJ 08110;   (856) 662-4884   https://foodbanksj.org/