Raymond Paul "Ray" Tuzzeo, 75, died peacefully in his sleep on the day after Christmas, December 26, 2021.

Ray leaves behind a loving family: wife, Suzanne; children (and sons-in-law), Michelle (and Richard), Melissa (and Mike), TJ, and Daniel; grandchildren, Connor, Callie, Cameron, Rylee, Cayden, and Colton; sister and brother-in-law, Midge and Vinny; and aunt, Anne.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Marge, whom he loved immensely and whose memory he cherished deeply.

Growing up on Long Island, NY, Ray excelled in both academics and sports. After graduating from Northport High School, he played quarterback at Ball State University and tried out for pitcher with the New York Mets. His claim to fame was playing with the San Francisco 49ers' taxi squad. Although years of sports-related injuries would ultimately dash his hopes of playing professional ball, in 1979 he went on to help establish the football program at the University of Central Florida. There, he served as quarterback and running back coach for UCF's inaugural football team, helping to steer the Knights to a winning 6-2 season. Ray held dear that experience, and it was one of the highlights of his life to be honored, along with the rest of his cohort, by UCF Athletics on the occasion of the football team's 40th anniversary in 2019.

Possessing encyclopedic knowledge of sports history and statistics, Ray spoke passionately and insightfully about bowl games, rosters, coaches, and strategies until his final days. Whenever a ballgame is being played where Ray is now, you can be sure that he will be there, intently watching, exclaiming, and giving sage advice.

Ray was strong, smart, funny, charming, and caring. He was an individualistic man who did things as he saw and who extolled the virtue of being "a leader, not a follower." He stayed active throughout his life. Even as his health waned, he was a regular at the gym. He could often be found outside, enjoying the feeling of the sun on his skin, taking immaculate care of the family cars, and tending to the yard and garden.

Of all the things he accomplished, Ray was most proud of his family, with whom he always strived to stay close. Although we all wished we could have had more time with him, he did his best to be present in our lives and to remind us that his love was constant and eternal - "all my love always," as he signed some of his last greeting cards, which he was fond of sending to his children.

His absence will leave a large hole in the lives of Ray's loved ones. We will miss hearing his voice, giving him hugs, and receiving his heartfelt adoration and encouragement. But although he is gone from this life, our relationship will persist in our hearts, and the light of Ray Tuzzeo's spirit will never go out.

All our love, always, Dad. Until we meet again…