August 10, 1941 - October 19, 2014 Raymond George Giraldi 08/10/1941- 10/19/2014. Ray and his mother, Antoinette, were the original founders of Papa J's Italian Restaurant back in May of 1976. At the time Ray had been through two back operations and was unable to continue with the current job he was working. One day Ray said "Mom you cook really well we should open a restaurant". So Mom said "OK" and Ray and Antoinette started it up. Ray worked the front and Mom did all the cooking. Later, Papa J (grandpa) and brother Nick joined in and they all worked extremely hard and created a special place where people from all over Colorado came to enjoy great food and family memories. Papa J's was originally located at 67th and Lowell Blvd in Westminster Colorado. It was named Papa J's because Ray's niece, Andrea (3 years old at the time) couldn't pronounce the word "Grandpa" so called Ray's Dad, Julius, papa! And the rest is history! Ray is survived by his children, Ray Anthony Giraldi, Kathy Saebi, and Yvonne Moya. His grandchildren, Anthony, Jordon, Jessica, Terra, Loretta, Jerry and Christian. His siblings, Nick, Bernadette and Mark Giraldi. His nieces and nephews; Nick, Andrea, Lyndsay, Giana and Anthony. Ray's family will be honored for his many friends and acquaintances to celebrate his life at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 3549 Navajo St., Denver on Wednesday October 29, 2014 at 12:00 pm. Reception after the service at Papa J's Restaurant 79th and Sheridan Blvd.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Raymond George Giraldi, please visit our flower store.