[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 60 (Thursday, April 23, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF RAYMOND FRANK FRESCHI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 2015

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of a 
wonderful human being, good friend, and a great American. Raymond Frank 
Freschi died earlier this month at the age of 89. Ray will always be 
remembered for his very kind and generous heart and lively spirit. He 
loved his family, his many friends and his life. He will be greatly 
missed.
   Ray was born in Clifton, New Jersey on June 16, 1925. Ray joined the 
Navy after graduating from high school and served as a medic-corpsman 
in Norfolk, Virginia and later aboard the U.S. Wakefield on a mission 
to China. Upon leaving the Navy, he attended Fairleigh Dickinson 
College in Rutherford, New Jersey and then transferred to University of 
Southern California. At USC he met his beloved wife Shirley, to whom he 
was married for 65 years--they are an example of a beautiful couple 
actively involved in their community. They had two children, daughter, 
Susan Elaine, who sadly preceded Ray in death, and son Raymond Sandy 
Freschi Jr. Ray and Shirley lived in La Canada-Flintridge in Southern 
California for 25 years before moving to Pebble Beach for the next 25 
years, and then on to Carmel Valley Manor.
   Everybody who knew Ray remarked on what a joyous person he was. He 
radiated happiness. He loved and respected people; always taking a 
genuine interest in others. Among other things, this helped him become 
a successful real estate entrepreneur. Ray studied and taught real 
estate, and quickly established, what was then, the largest real estate 
office in Glendale, California. Among Ray's many accomplishments was 
purchasing the Chevy Chase country club in Glendale, and transforming 
it into a thriving successful golf community. He also developed a three 
story office building and condominium complex on the Golden State 
Freeway in Glendale. Ray even made a run for a House seat here in 
Congress. Later, during his retirement, Ray built several beautiful 
houses in Pebble Beach.
   For many years, Ray had enjoyed spending time at his Green Glen 
ranch property in Gilroy. Ray's hobby was driving horses and collecting 
antique carriages and wagons. While in Pebble Beach, Ray could often be 
seen on the weekends driving a pair of his Welsh Cobbs, Concord & 
Taffy, or his French Percheron draft horses, Peter & Oliver with a 
newlywed couple in the carriage. His appearance brought joy to 
everyone, especially my daughter who has followed his professional love 
of horses.
   Mr. Speaker, I know I speak for the whole House in offering our 
condolences to Ray's friends and family, including his wife Shirley, 
son Sandy, grandchildren Peter McLean Freschi, Brooke Susan Freschi., 
sister Beverly Vivenetto, as well as many nieces and nephews.

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