Mr Marvin Hess Ray's Obituary
Born in the Philippines on September 17, 1931 to Jovita Escobar and Carl Hess, Marvin came to the US as a boy with his mother, two brothers Leopold and Randy and step-father William Ray at the end of World War II. They settled in San Francisco, where he attended Horace Mann Junior High and Mission High Schools. In high school, he was in the R.O.T.C. where he achieved the highest rank, Lt. Colonel, and later joined the National Guard.
At that time, he met the love of his life, Nenita (known to many as Lina). Their life was filled with passion and family. They were married for 64 years and had four daughters. He was a good provider, holding down multiple jobs as a young father, excelling in commercial lighting sales, and ultimately becoming a successful lighting executive. While devoted to their family, they were fun loving and enjoyed popular clubs in San Francisco in the 1950s and 60s, including Finocchio's and Forbidden City, the most popular Asian nightclub at the time. They enjoyed the casinos in Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas and were fondly called Lucky Lina and Starvin' Marvin.
He was an avid stamp collector (and member of the Sequoia Stamp Collectors Club), chess player (once playing against Bobby Fisher, along with other chess club members as a young man), World War II history buff, Giants and 49ers fan, family historian and archivist, and prolific letter writer and storyteller. He enjoyed all kinds of music, movies, video poker (chasing the coveted Royal Flush) and word puzzles. A long-time resident of San Mateo with Nenita, he moved to Castro Valley as a widower. He died at home on July 3, 2024. He is survived by his brother, Randy, his daughters, Gloria, Nancy, Patty and Kathy, seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, a great great grandson, and scores of nieces and nephews.
Known for his kindness, tolerant nature, quick smile, humor and sharp mind, he will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. May his gentle soul rest in peace as he is reunited with the love of his life in heaven.
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