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Ray Faraca, 88
Ray “Coach” Faraca, 88, of Kellogg, Idaho, passed away on Dec. 23, 2018. He was born on Dec. 8, 1930, in Kellogg, the son of Italian immigrants, Antonio and Agnes Grace (Caruso) Faraca.
Ray was a lifelong resident of Kellogg and extremely well known in the community. He graduated from Kellogg High School in 1950 and then attended the University of Idaho on a football scholarship, where he studied education and biology. He played football at Idaho and started at right guard and nose guard for three years. Ray continued his education at Whitworth University, obtaining a master’s degree.
After graduating from college, Ray planned on attending physical therapy school at the University of Southern California. However, a job offer from School District #391 derailed those plans, and instead, Ray began teaching and coaching at Pinehurst Junior High School in 1954. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Kellogg High School, where he remained for the duration of his career. Ray was a popular biology teacher, but was perhaps best known as a coach and mentor to the young men and women of Kellogg High.
Ray married the love of his life and fellow teacher, Mary Rae Thompson, on April 4, 1956, at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Kellogg. For 60 years they made their home on Riverside Avenue, where they raised their six sons: Jay, Tobin, Pat, Brett, Tony and Guy.
During his 35 year teaching tenure, Ray coached football and track for many years, experiencing tremendous success. His track teams were especially dominant, earning 16 consecutive district championships during his career. Additionally, he coached multiple individual state champions for the Wildcats over the years. Although Coach Faraca had six children of his own, he also considered the many athletes that he forged special bonds with to be his “kids.” Coaching these young men and women of Kellogg brought him joy beyond measure. His commitment as a standout coach and mentor, as well as being a highly regarded high school and collegiate athlete, culminated with his induction into the Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011.
Ray was a proud member of the Kellogg Booster Club, Kellogg Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, the Kellogg Elks, the Vandal Boosters, as well as a forever member of The Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame.
There’s no question that coaching was Ray’s favorite pastime, but he also enjoyed camping, fishing, golfing and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also relished the many family reunions he attended where he would catch up with his extended family.
He and his wife, Mary Rae, loved to attend sporting events and live theater throughout their lives. Ray was also an excellent cook and was well known locally for his Italian feasts. Ray spent countless hours working summers for the city of Kellogg to upkeep the ballfields in town, as well as the local swimming pool.
Ray leaves behind a host of friends and family including his six sons: Jay (Barbara) Faraca of Newman Lake, Wash., Tobin (Cindy) Faraca of Kingston, Pat (Suzanne) Faraca of Post Falls, Idaho, Brett Faraca of Kellogg, Tony (Brandie) Faraca of Boise, and Guy (Lynn) Faraca of Lafayette, Colo.; nine grandchildren, Rosie (Noah), Jeremiah (Kamri), Misty Dawn, Sophia, Joe, Marlie, Cash, Gabe and Nick; his great-granddaughter, Chyles; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was especially close to his nephews, Vic and Tim Parcher of Spokane, Wash.
Ray was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Rae (who just recently passed away); his parents, Antonio and Agnes; as well as his 10 brothers and sisters: Gabriel, Frank, Adeline, Margaret, Emil, William, John, Rose, Robert James and Donna.
There will be a memorial Mass for both Ray and Mary Rae held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Kellogg, with Father Jerome Montez officiating. A reception and luncheon will be held in the church fellowship hall following services. Everyone is welcome.
One may sign Ray’s online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com.
As Ray often said, “It’s better to be a has-been than a never-was.” Go in peace, Coach Faraca. You will be missed by many.
Shoshone Funeral Services and Crematory of Kellogg is entrusted with cremation services.