Rapheal "Ray" Angelo Paladino

Rapheal “Ray” Angelo Paladino of North Little Rock passed away surrounded by his family on October 7, 2024. Ray was born June 10, 1939 to Alexander “Ike” Paladino and Julia DeSalvo Paladino of Center Ridge, AR. From an early age, the importance of family was instilled in Ray by his parents. His family was the most precious thing to him, so much so that he would always say he was very blessed with the best family. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, Poppie, and friend. He was married 65 years to his wife, Charlsie, whom he adored. Together, they built a beautiful life and were blessed with one daughter, Stacie, who was the apple of her daddy’s eye. When she married Allan, he became the son Ray and Charlsie never had. Ray’s devotion as a family man was modeled by his strong Catholic faith. This faith carried him throughout his entire life. He served as an example on how to live a life guided by Jesus’ love. 

Athletics always held a strong place in Ray’s life. He was a gifted athlete, spending years playing softball and basketball. His playing days transitioned into coaching and managing, with multiple winning softball teams falling under his tutelage. Ray was inducted into the Arkansas Softball Hall of Fame in 2000, something he took great pride in. He developed and nurtured relationships with several of the players, with many becoming life long friendships that he greatly cherished. He was a fierce competitor, with a fiery Italian passion that was displayed through his words and actions. This passion extended into his love for sports in general, with some of his favorite teams being Arkansas Razorback football and basketball, and the Los Angeles Dodgers (although they were the Brooklyn Dodgers when he started following them). 

He spent his working years at Winburn Tile and Glenn Brothers’ Trucking, demonstrating an incredible work ethic and discipline. One of his favorite things to do was “work,” not his day job, but studying and filling out his racing form and heading to the horse races, live or simulcast. On Saturdays during racing season, you could always find Ray at Oaklawn, sitting in his box seats, surrounded by people wanting to pick his brain on which horse to bet. 

As his family continued to grow, Ray’s greatest passion became his grandchildren. He loved watching them grow and participate in their many athletic activities. At every ball game, you could see his classic head of white hair in the bleachers or on the sideline, cheering them on with all the gusto he could muster. He was always present and the best Poppie a grandchild could ever hope for. 

Ray was an extraordinary man, with a wonderful and witty sense of humor. He was charismatic, genuine, and highly regarded by all who knew him. Ray never met a stranger. On his morning walks, he would wave at every car that passed by. As Charlsie once said, Ray had an uncanny ability to tell people exactly what they needed to hear without sounding one bit disingenuous. He was a man of great character and integrity, truly one of a kind, with never a hair out of place. 

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Ike and Julia Paladino; and his brother Herbie Paladino. He is survived by his wife, Charlsie Paladino; daughter Stacie (Allan) Wharton; 3 grandchildren, Courtney (Paul) Drake, Chad and Cassidy Wharton; 4 great grandchildren, Charlie, Cameron, Cash and Chloe Rae Drake; 5 siblings, Annette (Robert) May, Sonny (Marinelle) Paladino, Gerald (Sharon) Paladino, Paulette Stobaugh-Jones, and Sharon (Dee) Rodgers; sister-in-law, Karen Paladino; and many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a legacy of faith, perseverance, love and joy. 

Ray’s services will be held on Monday, October 14, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Little Rock, AR. The visitation will be from 9:30-10:30, followed by a rosary at 10:30. The funeral mass will be at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Immaculate Conception Catholic School in North Little Rock, AR and the Alzheimer’s Association.