Raymond Joseph Paiva died at his home August 13, 2026. Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, Raymond moved to DeLand in 1956 with his family. A graduate of DeLand High School and Daytona Beach Junior College, Raymond was an auto mechanic. For many years he was the owner of Ray’s Auto Repair.

Raymond “Ray” is remembered by those who knew and loved him as a quiet, gentle man with a pure heart, a deep love for his family, and a strong and enduring faith in God.

There are many things that could be said about Ray, but perhaps the words of Jesus describe him best:

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” — Matthew 5:8

Purity of heart does not mean that someone lived a perfect life. Rather, it describes a heart that sincerely seeks what is good—a heart capable of compassion, sacrifice, forgiveness, honesty, faith, and love. Those qualities could be seen throughout Ray’s life.

Ray is a devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. He cared for his parents and was always willing to help whenever something needed to be done. He drove his mother shopping, took her on errands, and simply made himself available to her. She often remarked that there were more people who knew Ray than knew her and would affectionately say, “Everybody loves Raymond.”

And there was a reason people loved him.

Ray has a smile that could light up a room and crystal-blue eyes with an unmistakable sparkle. But behind that smile and those eyes was something much deeper. Ray was compassionate, caring, loving, thoughtful, self-sacrificing, honest, and truthful.

Ray spent his working life as an auto mechanic. For his family and friends, however, that meant much more than simply repairing automobiles. Ray took care of people.

For practically his entire adult life, he cared for the family’s vehicles. If someone needed a repair, Ray was there. Many times, while repairing someone’s vehicle, he would lend them his own truck so they would not be without transportation. He did not simply fix the problem; he took care of the person.

His profession also required years of physical sacrifice. His hands, his back, and his body bore the effects of a lifetime of hard work, yet Ray rarely complained. Much of what he did for others was done quietly, without seeking recognition or praise.

The old saying “Still waters run deep” described Ray well. He did not always say a lot, and he did not have to. His actions often spoke louder than words.

Yet when Ray did speak, his words could be remarkably simple and profound. During conversations about family difficulties or hurts, Ray would sometimes offer just a few words:

“We’re supposed to forgive.”

Those words revealed much about Ray’s heart and his understanding of his Christian faith.

Years ago, Ray attended a Cursillo men’s retreat. At the conclusion of the retreat, he came forward to receive a cross bearing the words:

“Christ is counting on you.”

The response was:

“And I’m counting on Christ.”

Those words became a fitting reflection of Ray’s life of faith.

Ray attended Mass and received the Eucharist as often as he could. During times when some anxiety made attending Mass difficult, Holy Communion was brought to his home.

Those Sunday mornings became opportunities for conversation about his parents, his family, and God, followed by prayer and the reception of the Eucharist.

Ray spoke often and lovingly about his daughter Courtnay, her husband Ryan, and his grandchildren Noah and Katelyn. Their names returned frequently in conversation, reflecting the quiet pride, affection, and joy he found in his family.

His faith was not merely something Ray spoke about. It was something he quietly lived. He prayed, followed the daily Scripture readings, prayed the Rosary, and received Jesus in the Eucharist with reverence. Beneath Ray’s quiet exterior was a man who sincerely loved God.

Ray was more than a brother; he is a best friend. Over the years, that bond grew even stronger, leaving behind memories that will always be treasured. There is great pride and gratitude in being able to call him a Brother, Father, Uncle. Ray’s father, Charles Paiva established the reputation and respect in DeLand of the “Paiva” name 70 yrs. ago. Ray has maintained & added to the respect of our name by his life and who he is.

Yes, “Everybody loves Raymond,” and he is deeply loved.

Ray has what truly matters: a good name, a lifetime of good works, a heart filled with love, and most importantly, a soul that belongs to God.

The mind and body are part of our earthly journey. They grow tired and eventually fail, but they never defined Ray. Ray’s deepest identity was found in the person God created—in his heart, in his soul, and in the quiet love with which he lived his life.

And so we return to the promise of Christ:

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

May the Christ whom Ray counted on throughout his life now welcome him home. May the Lord reward every quiet act of love and sacrifice that others may never have seen.

Ray was a quiet man, a good man, a faithful man, a loving man—a man with a pure heart.

“Christ is counting on you.”

And Ray’s answer remains:

“And I’m counting on Christ.”

Rest in peace, Ray. You counted on Christ, and now may you see Him face to face.

Ray is survived by his wife, Beth; his daughter, Courtnay Paiva Brumback (Ryan); and his grandchildren, Noah and Katelyn. He is also survived by his siblings, Richard Paiva (Aida), Russell Paiva, and Ralph Paiva (Zoë).

He will also be lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Charles Paiva (Heather), Jason Paiva (Natalie), Mary Kennedy (Neil), Julie Turgeon (Jackson), Colby Paiva (Toni), Ryan Paiva (Hala), Kelly Walker (Jeremy), and Sarah Bourne (Ashley).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Anna Darosa Paiva, and his sister, Roberta Paiva Yarborough.

To donate to the Haiti, Cuba, Honduras mission, you may write a check to “Mission Circle Inc” and mail to Mission Circle Gini Eckert, 280 Raymore Ave., DeLand, FL 32720. This ministry was started by St Peter parishioners and their mission trips. May God richly bless you for your donations.

Wake service:

Thursday, (8-20-26)

Greeting 6pm

Services 7pm to 8pm

Lankford Funeral Home

Funeral Mass:

Friday, (8-21-26) 10am

St. Peter Catholic Church

Interment to follow:

Oakdale Cemetery

Reception to follow:

St Peter Church

St Teresa Hall

Behind the church