Retired NYPD Det. Renato “Ray” Gaudenzi passed away peacefully in Neptune, NJ, on May 29, 2024, at the age of 92.
Wake
June 5, 2024
Beginning at 10:00 a.m.
There will be a mass of Christian burial at
St. Anthony of Padua Church
4055 Victory Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10314
Funeral Service to follow
June 5, 2024 beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Resurrection Cemetery
361 Sharrot Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10309
Renato ”Ray” Gaudenzi was born in Italy on December 17, 1931. He moved with his family to the United States in 1932 at just eighteen months old.
Ray spent his early years in Manhattan before moving to Brooklyn.
Det. Gaudenzi was predeceased by his beloved wife Barbara, who passed away in November 2023. The couple’s love story began in 1948, when Ray met Barbara as she was getting off the school bus. They were married four years later at St. Rosalia Church in Brooklyn, NY. In 1961, they settled in the Eltingville section of Staten Island, where they resided until 2021.
In 1951, Ray joined the United States Navy and served as a corpsman in Maryland during the Korean War. After his military service, he joined the New York City Police Department and was appointed on May 15, 1952. He was promoted to Detective on December 31, 1965.
Ray’s dedication and skill as a Detective led to his involvement in numerous high-profile cases, including a notable undercover sting operation which was featured in the December 1975 issue of Reader’s Digest. His heroism was also highlighted in the NY Daily News for chasing and apprehending two robbery suspects on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Upon his retirement out of the Manhattan Robbery Squad on August 28, 1975, Ray became the head of security at the Sheraton Hotel in Manhattan. Together with Barbara, they also ran a small business for many years called “This and That,’” which sold homemade arts and crafts, bringing joy and creativity to their community.
Ray was a dedicated parishioner at St. Anthony’s Church and found joy in writing poetry and drawing.
Det. Gaufenzi is survived by his son Robert and his wife Ellen, his daughter Louisa and her husband, retired Det. Salvatore Curto, and many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Det. Gaudenzi’s life was a testament to love, service, and creativity. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Following Services at Resurrection Cemetery, the family has asked friends and mourners to join them for a Repast at The Knights of Columbus at 100 Kreischer Street, Staten Island, NY 10309.