Raymond Daniel Gentile

Raymond Daniel Gentile, age 71, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on July 30, 1955, he was the son of the late Raymond and Jennie (Rana) Gentile. Ray was raised in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston, where he graduated from Saint Columbkille High School with the Class of 1973. Ray’s work life began at the age of 16, at Massachusetts General Hospital in the transportation department. He continued his education, pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Northeastern University, working as a child care counselor with juveniles in a summer co-op program out of Dorchester District Court, in 1976. From 1976-1980, Ray worked as a security officer at the Parker House Hotel in Boston.

Following his graduation in 1978, Ray also began working at his uncle's company, Salvucci Construction. In the summer of 78 & 79, Ray worked as a special police officer in Dennis, on Cape Cod. By chance, while on his break from his police detail, Ray met the love of his life & his wife to be, Gina Branche. She worked at a grocery store nearby where he was directing traffic; Gina was on summer break from nursing school. There may have been some confusion on who asked who out, but there was no argument about falling in love at first sight. Ray and Gina were married on May 9, 1981, in the chapel of her alma mater, Academy of the Holy Names in Albany, New York. The young couple returned to Massachusetts, making their first home in Ray's hometown of Brighton. His career brought him to Raytheon in Waltham where Ray worked in governmental defense projects starting as a production control specialist moving up to foreman then supervisor, a career lasting 13 years. Ray moved his family out of the city, settling in Walpole, Massachusetts. He worked at Boston College as a security officer before taking a job with the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston in 1994. Starting out in the Protection Department,Ray later transitioned into the Information Technology Department in 1999. He served 23 years until his retirement in 2022 at the title of Senior Information Security Engineer.

Throughout his life, Ray loved staying active, earning a Brown Belt in Okinawa Goju-Ryu in 1979 along with his great pal Gary, saying after a difficult exercise class, “You know we actually pay money for this.” Hitting the gym daily, whether on his lunch break in Boston or at the local Planet Fitness in his retirement, Ray was an avid walker, circling his neighborhood with his beagle, Lyla, or enjoying an evening walk with his wife, Gina. As an avid motorcycle rider, Ray looked forward to throwing his leg over his Harley Davidson Electraglide Classic for a cruise with his buddies. He and Gina loved traveling north to Laconia Bike Week, taking in the sights and enjoying the open road together. Back at home, Ray ensured his bike was meticulously maintained, there was always the scent of chrome polish in the air. His quest for adventure led him to become a collector or firearms, testing out his accuracy at the Braintree Shooting Club with his son, Ray. No matter where Ray went, he formed wonderful connections along the way, striking up conversations and building lasting friendships.

More than anything, Ray was devoted to his family. He loved gathering for family reunions in Lincoln, New Hampshire. Celebrating the fourth of July or making runs down the slopes over winter break, Lincoln was the getaway. The holidays were always the best, spending time with his siblings and their families. Thanksgiving in Melrose to a traditional Italian Christmas Eve in Arlington, Ray was happy to be surrounded by everyone he loved. More than anything, Ray was delighted to welcome his granddaughter, Aliza in 2012. He proudly took the title of Poppie and quickly became like a father to Aliza. He loved watching her grow up. Driving Aliza to her gymnastics & seeing the love she had for the sport was the highlight of Ray’s day. Aliza’s cooking and baking would always bring a smile to his face, filling up on all of her special treats. In recent years, Ray's family continued to expand as he welcomed in his grand dogs, Zoey, Chief, Jet and Molly. All adored him & held a special place in his heart.

Beloved husband of Gina (Branche) Gentile.

Loving father of Katie Gentile of Walpole, Daniel Gentile of Franklin, and Ray Gentile of Roslindale.

Cherished grandfather of Aliza Ellen Gentile.

Brother of Mark Gentile and his wife, Lisa, of Melrose, Nancy Fitzgerald and her husband, Jim, of Watertown, Dana Cusick and her late husband, Robert, of Waltham, David Gentile and his wife, Bettina, of Arlington, and Darin Gentile and his wife, Charlene, of Londonderry, New Hampshire.

Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Ray's visitation on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026, from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Catholic Mass will be celebrated in Saint Timothy Church, 650 Nichols Street, Norwood on Monday, August 24th, 2026, at 10:30 AM. Interment will take place privately at the request of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in loving memory of Ray Gentile to a memorial fund established in his honor for his beloved granddaughter. Contributions may be made payable to:

The Aliza E. Gentile-Quarles Education Fund

c/o Ralph Moore

600 Atlantic Federal Credit Union

600 Atlantic Ave., 4th Floor

Boston, MA 02210

The family deeply appreciates your kindness, generosity, and remembrance of Ray.