By Robert Haugh
Ray Gamma, a lifelong Santa Clara resident whose public service touched nearly every corner of the city, has died.
Gamma served the community for decades, including roles as a fire marshal and as a member of the Parks & Recreation Commission.
He also worked on the city’s Veteran’s Memorial and was active in several civic and service organizations, including the Sister Cities Association, the Police Activities League Board of Directors, and the Wutzit Club Alumni.
Friends and colleagues described Gamma as deeply committed to Santa Clara and to the idea that local service matters. His work spanned public safety, recreation, veterans’ recognition, and youth and community programs.
Gamma was also well known for his love of dogs. In recognition of his contributions, the city named its first official dog park in his honor: the Ray G. Gamma Dog Park.
The Santa Clara City Council is expected to formally honor Gamma’s life and service at its Jan. 13 meeting.
The family of Mr. Raymond G Gamma. Are very mush appreciative of the community that Mr. Gamma so loved, and the people. Thank you for the many honors and acknowledgments that he is receiving.
Warm Regards,
Carole Szilasie (niece)
Ray and his wife, Jerri, made their famous Portuguese beans for the annual Sister Cities BBQ for many years. Everyone loved those beans. About 12 years ago, I asked Ray if it was getting to be too much of a task to make the beans. He would have been about 82 years young. He insisted on making those beans and they were delicious as always.
Rest in Peace, Ray. I hope you and Jerri are making your favorite dishes in Heaven.
Ray will never be forgotten for many great reasons. However getting the best Dog Park in the Bay Area is named after him just made sure of that point.
Great man, great advocate for our City, we were all blessed / fortunate to have him in our City for as long as we did.
Burt Field
78′ Buchser Grad