 CARAVEO, RAYMOND J. LT. COL. USAF (RET.) Age 88, a longtime resident of Albuquerque and a more recent resident of Rio Rancho, passed away on Saturday, February 23, 2013, after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. He passed with peace and anticipating being reunited with loved ones and friends who had passed before him and being free of pain and loss of mobility. His beloved wife of 65 years, Geraldine Joann Kelble Caraveo, born in Xenia, OH, and his grandson, Nathan W. Brown, were by his side. Raymond was preceded in death by his father, Ignacio J. Caraveo; mother, Josephine Kelly Caraveo, both of Los Angeles, CA; and sister, Alice Eliasoff of the greater Los Angeles area. He is survived by his spouse, Geraldine of Rio Rancho; children, Anita I. Brown and husband, Gene of Rio Rancho and Raymond W. Caraveo and wife, Bonnie of Taunton, MA; grandchildren, Aaron G. Brown Caraveo and wife, Amy of West Palm Beach, FL, Nathan W. Brown and wife, Tanya of Rio Rancho and Suzanne Pebley and husband, Mike of Hanover, PA; great- grandchildren, Keara Pebley of Hanover, PA, Mason Brown, Madison Brown and Makenna Brown of Rio Rancho; sister, Kelly Severin of Southern California; brother, Inez Caraveo and wife, Georgia of Downey, CA; nieces, Layne Kent of Idaho, Carol Ann Eliasoff and family of California; and nephews, Steven Eliasoff and family of California, Brent Nemeth and family of Columbia, South America, Anthony Caraveo and Christopher Caraveo both Downey, CA. Raymond was born in Los Angeles, CA, on September 6, 1924. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Los Angeles and attended Pomona College in Claremont, CA. In 1943 Raymond joined the Army Air Corps and began active duty in 1945 as a bombardier at the end of WWII attaining rank of second Lieutenant. 1950-1952 he was recalled to active duty by the US Air Force for the Korean War as a navigator/bombardier on a combat crew. He remained in the US Air Force until his retirement as a Lt. Col. in 1968. During his military service, Raymond specialized in nuclear weapons maintenance, storage, transportation; biological/chemical agents; safety management. At retirement, Raymond was the Base Quality Control Chief on Manzano Base in Albuquerque. Raymond went to work for the city of Albuquerque after his military retirement and was the City Safety Officer in charge of OSHA compliance and personnel safety. He retired from the city in 1984. Geraldine and Ray traveled the entire United States by RV for several years. They had many adventures that left them with wonderful memories. Raymond felt so fortunate to live to see his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He has left behind a family who loved him and will miss him greatly as will his friends. Raymond enjoyed golfing, swimming, travel and the martial arts. He was ranked as a black belt in Judo and instructed adults and youths throughout the years. He was a member of the US Judo Association and the USAF Judo Association. He instructed some members who went on to become champions and Olympic competitors. He taught several self-defense classes to Albuquerque Police Department Cadets. Raymond's request for cremation was carried out on February 28, 2013 following an intimate family viewing on February 26, 2013 at FRENCH - Westside. Plans for a future memorial service are being discussed. Please visit our online guest book for Raymond at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Westside 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW (505) 897-0300
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