Obituary of Raymond D. Nargi

Raymond Daniel Nargi died on May 14, 2021. He was 92 years old.

Ray was born on April 24, 1929, in the Bronx, New York, the eldest son of Dennis and Mary (née Ruggerio) Nargi. He grew up in the Bronx and lived there until 1951 when entered military service. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. After his honorable discharge in 1953, Ray completed his BBA Accounting & Finance from Pace University in 1958. After over a decade of night school, full-time work, and raising a young family he earned an MBA from NYU.

For over 37 years, Ray worked for General Foods Corporation in their finance department, rising from mailroom messenger to the company's chief economist and Associate Treasurer. During his long, distinguished career he managed the investments of the company's retirement plans, as well as advised the company on economic conditions, and worked as a speechwriter for many of the company's presidents and chairmen. He also served on the White House Council of Economic Advisors in the 1970s.

In 1985, Ray fulfilled a lifelong dream to move to State College, PA, and work for Penn State University, where he served as the Director of Finance and Management and Associate Treasurer. There he served under three university presidents and managed the university's endowment fund until his retirement in 1998. After retirement, Ray enjoyed cheering on the Nittany Lions and hosting many visiting friends and family at his home "Nittany Noll."

Ray married Ingrid Zablauskas in 1957 and had three children: Randall, Richard, and Ronald. Although they divorced in the mid-80s, towards the end of his life Ray and Ingrid reconciled and parted as friends.

Ray is survived by his sister Marie Mollo and her husband, Richard; his brother Dennis Nargi and his wife Jeannie; his sons Randall, Richard, and Ronald; his daughters-in-law Jessi Princiotto, Marycruz Nargi, and Mica Emery; and his seven grandchildren Ben, Veronica, Viktorija, Mark, Abbie, Ricky, and Allie Nargi.

Ray will be remembered for his strong commitment to family, and his hospitality, generosity, and warmth. He loved spending time with friends and family and had a sincere interest in everyone he met. He was a devout Catholic whose strong principles of fairness, kindness, loyalty, and love guided him throughout his life. His greatest joy was his family, but his warmth and selflessness were evident to everyone who knew him and he touched many lives. Ray will be greatly missed.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, with Father Neil Dadey officiating.

Burial will be in Boalsburg Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College PA 16801.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.