Ray Colonna, age 77, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026. He was born on March 25, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Joseph and Laverne Colonna.

Ray began his career with the Chicago Park District in 1966 as a lifeguard at Rainbow Beach. During more than 30 years of dedicated service, he advanced through the ranks and retired as an Aquatic Supervisor. While serving in the later years of his Park District career, Ray also worked as Head of Security at Presidential Towers in downtown Chicago. Following his retirement from the Park District, he continued in that role at Presidential Towers for nearly 20 years.

After relocating to Arizona, Ray continued his career in security at Grand Canyon University, where he managed a student residence hall and became known for his kindness and genuine concern for the students in his care.

Service to others was the foundation of Ray’s life. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to those in need, and later volunteered his time driving military veterans to and from medical appointments. Ray also quietly helped countless people experiencing homelessness by providing food, clothing, and financial assistance whenever he could. He never sought recognition for his generosity, believing that helping others was simply the right thing to do.

Ray was known for his kindness, compassion, integrity, and unwavering willingness to help others. His quiet strength, wisdom, and selfless spirit touched the lives of countless people throughout his life.

He was the beloved brother of Diane (Michael) Gyllstrom and Judith (Allen) Boone. He was the loving uncle of Anne Marie (Christopher Bray) Boone, Julie (William Tazio Kubbs) Boone, and the late Laura Gyllstrom, and the proud great-uncle of Ronan Bray, Torin Boone, Cyril Boone-Kubbs, and Benjamin Boone-Kubbs.

Ray also shared a special lifelong bond with Ark Pachnik, whom he loved like a son and mentored for nearly four decades.

Ray will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and service to others will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 12:00 p.m. at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL. Interment private. For information, please call 773-736-3833.