Raphael Dondero - Obituary

aphael Joseph Dondero, Jr. “Ray”, 80, a 15-year resident of Annapolis and previously of Washington, DC, died January 6 in Annapolis following a heart attack. He was born August 30, 1931 in Washington, DC to the late Raphael and Angela Ward Dondero, Sr. Ray was a 1949 graduate of Gonzaga College High School, a member of the 1953 class of Georgetown University and served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus and a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church where he was active in the parish’s prison ministry for over 20 years. He was also Commandant of the Annapolis Lost Patrol. In his spare time, Ray enjoyed duck carving. He is survived by his wife, Claire C. Dondero of Annapolis, daughter, Sharon M. Dondero of Washington, DC, faithful pet, Harry; three sisters, Angela Dondero Enright of Bethesda, Pauline (Mel) Dondero Ventura of Kauai, HI and Marie (Dan) Dondero Clement of Cheverly; and 17 nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to Ray’s Life Celebration on Wednesday, January 11 from 4 to 8pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater. A Memorial Mass will be offered on Thursday, January 12 at 10:30am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. Inurnment private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John Neumann Catholic Church or the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, 1815 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403. An online guestbook is available by accessing the link at the top of this page.