Raymond William Perica

Raymond W. Perica, 85, of Lakeland died on March 2, 2023.

Born August 27, 1937, in Alton, IL to a boisterous, fun-loving Serbo-Croatian family, which included his parents Pete Sr. and Mary Perica, siblings, Mildred, Pete Jr, Paul & Ken. This tight-knit upbringing instilled in Ray the importance of family, community, and service; principles which guided him throughout his life.

He graduated from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1959. And although his future wife, Sue Howard, went to the same college they didn’t meet there. They met the old-fashioned way, through mutual friends. They married in 1963 and soon welcomed children, Tom and Mary.

In 1969 Ray and his family moved to Lakeland, where he worked at Wolfson Pharmacy for 26 years, forging strong bonds with the community he served - as a trusted advisor and friend. These relationships continued when he moved on to work at Publix Pharmacies until his retirement. Outside of work, Ray loved fine food and wine. He spoiled his pets and was also an avid runner and athlete.

Retirement allowed him time to pursue his passion for traveling, volunteering at Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, and being a loyal blood donor. He gave an impressive 105 gallons. But most of all, he was able to further his interest in religious studies and return to school to become an Episcopal deacon. Deacon Ray served St David’s in Lakeland and St Peter’s in Plant City.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sue; son Tom (Andre Gordon) of Phoenix, AZ; daughter Mary (Peter Malloy) of Orient, NY; sister, Mildred Vogelsang of Godfrey, IL and brother Ken (Ellen) of Cincinnati, OH.

The family invites friends to celebrate Ray’s life at a casual gathering at Casa Loma Clubhouse on Friday, March 10th 5:00 -8:00 pm, 5565 Old Scott Lake Road, Lakeland FL.

Funeral services will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St., Plant City, FL, on Saturday, March 11th at 10:30 am, with a reception immediately following. Also streaming at youtube.com/@st.petersepiscopalchurchpl6331/streams

Donations in Ray’s honor can be made to Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, Donate – LVIM.net or StPeter’sabundant.co/stpetersepiscopalchu/give