Raymond George Etzo

Raymond G. Etzo, (Ray, aka Pop), was born on February 28, 1937 in Ozone Park, New York. Son of Ralph Etzo and Concetta Milillo, Ray was the track superintendent for the New York Racing Association for 50 years. Ray married Marie LaRocca on October 23, 1966. and had five children: Raymond G. Etzo Jr. (Kristen Etzo), Laura Cooney (Brian Cooney), Elizabeth Etzo, Chrissy Bolson (Matt Bolson), and Joseph Etzo (Erika Etzo). Ray loved nothing more than seeing all of his children and grandchildren together. He always shared that his favorite memories were family trips to Myrtle Beach and his weekly card and poker games with his neighborhood friends. 

Ray is survived by his wife, Marie, five children, thirteen grandchildren: Kristina Riccobono (Daniel Riccobono), Raymond Etzo, Brian Cooney, Michael Etzo (Anna Etzo), Gerard Cooney, Ryan Etzo, Emily Bolson, Leah Bolson, Nicholas Kump, Lauren Bolson, Andrew Kump, Charles Etzo, and Henry Etzo, and one great grandchild: Arabella Riccobono. Ray enjoyed the simple things in life and was very grateful for each day. He had a great sense of humor and was always trying to make those around him laugh. Ray loved a Diet Coke with a little ice and some salted peanuts, a Hampton Inn coffee with the newspaper, and talking about his favorite movies/actors. He was a creature of habit, exemplified by him trying his first peanut butter and jelly sandwich when he was 80 years old. His kids joked that he had nine lives, as he survived multiple heart surgeries and falls in the last 9 years. He passed away surrounded by the love of his family in South Florida. He will be missed tremendously by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him. 

Entombment will take place at 1:00 PM on Friday, July 31, 2026 at The Cemetery of The Holy Rood, 111 Old Country Road, Westbury, New York.