Rayfel Bachiller

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Rayfel Bachiller

November 8, 1948 ~ October 30, 2022

Rayfel Bachiller passed away on October 30, 2022 from pancreatic cancer. He was a beloved leader, coach, mentor, friend and family member for so many people throughout his life. A child of immigrants, Ray was born on November 8, 1948 in Washington, D.C. to his revered parents Raynero and Socorro Bachiller, who were from the Philippines.

Ray attributed most of his success to the life lessons his parents taught him. Ray graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1970 and was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps shortly thereafter. He served his country for 32 years of active duty, retiring in 2002. Ray was Marine Corps through and through. Even 20 years after retirement, he was known affectionately as “Colonel Ray” because he always had a motivating story to share from his colorful career. Ray’s heart and soul were oriented towards service.

Following his military career, Ray went to Iraq for a year to help the Iraqi minister of defense. On his return, he became deeply involved with the Knights of Columbus and his St. Thomas More Catholic Parish, taught tennis and life to countless students, and worked with veterans’ organizations like the Marine Corps League, Fisher House foundation and the American Patriot Services Corporation.

Ray was also a devoted husband to Lisa Cicchini Bachiller, father to his stepson Jon Paris, Jr., brother to his sister Corrine Bachiller and uncle to his niece Angelina Bachiller.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on, November 8, 2022, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Cottonwood Heights. Ray will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.