Ray J. (nee Gallo) Payne

On the morning of Saturday, August 9th, 2025, Ray J. (nee Gallo) Payne’s soul left us, but her spirit remains. Ray (Rachel) was the loving daughter of the late Joseph A. and Alda “Jean ” Gallo. She was born on July 28, 1940 and raised in Pennsylvania. Her fondest childhood memories were of growing up in Ridley Park with her younger brother, Joseph S. Gallo and playing with her loving cousins and friends. After graduating with honors, Ray was accepted into a prestigious acting school. She had a passion for the Arts, especially writing and acting. However, Ray chose a different path. She met her future husband, James W. Ronneburger, Jr. and together they had 4 daughters. They eventually moved to New Castle, Delaware. Jim passed away in 1976. Ray continued to raise “the girls” while working full-time at Acme Markets (where she was employed since her teens) and other various part-time ventures to provide a Catholic school education for them. Her work ethic was commendable and her strength was unshakable. Ray later married her second husband, Ted Payne. With that union the family welcomed Ted’s son, Stephen to the crazy mix. Eventually, Ted and Ray moved to St. Augustine, Fla. where they reconnected with old friends and made new ones. Ray was a manager at Whetstones Chocolate Shop and later became a volunteer at Flagler Hospital. They resided in St. Augustine until Teds passing in 2018. Ray moved back to Delaware in 2019 to be closer to her family. It was such a blessing to get to spend cherished family time together! She made so many lasting friendships along her travels -even up to the very end. Ray was very sociable, witty and gracious. She had a big heart and opinions to match! She was a friend to all and would “set you straight” if she felt necessary. Her clever sense of humor, unwavering loyalty, and love for life (and pizza) will be forever missed. Her soul was greeted into Heaven by her parents, brother, husband, many relatives and friends but first in line was her daughter Carol, whom she longed to be reunited with. Left to continue her legacy are her caring daughters, Gina Scarmozzi (Nick), Susana Minkalis (George) and Gail Ronneburger (Charlie); bonus son, Stephen Payne (Carol); sister-in-law and devoted friend, Betty Gallo; and a host of relatives, grand-children, great grand-children and friends! In honoring Rays wishes, (this obituary is even crossing the line) there will be no service. Her wish was for everyone to celebrate and rejoice that she lived, not sad that she has passed. We will all honor and cherish her memory in our own way. We ask that you do the same.

Ray J. (nee Gallo) Payne

July 28, 1940 - August 9, 2025