Ray Samuels

February 17, 2012

Ray Samuels, 58, died February 17. After graduation from Napa Sr High, he attended UC Davis before beginning his police career in Vallejo in 1975. He served in the Concord Police Department for 18 years, then Newark Police Department, where he spent his last five years as chief of police. After his retirement, he was a public safety consultant and investigations manager for a San Francisco law firm. He also served as interim police chief at the Menlo Park and Lodi Police Departments. Toward the end of his career, he was known for his opposition to the death penalty, which he wrote about in an op-ed piece published in many Bay Area newspapers. He earned a BA from Golden Gate University and MA from San Diego State University. He also completed Command College (Class 30) and the FBI National Academy. While working in Newark, he was active in the Rotary Club, serving a year as president and two years as assistant district governor for Area 3. He was an avid motorcyclist and Sports Car Club of America SF region racer. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Kathy. Other survivors include his daughter, Erin (Brandon); son, Kurt; grandson, Brandon Barbieri II; mother, Shirley; sister, Jean (Chester); brother-in-law, Mark (Florence); sister-in-law, Corinne; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other beloved relatives and friends. Memorial services to be held March 2nd 2012, 11:00am at the Clock Tower in Benicia, 1189 Washington Street, Benicia Ca 94510 Arrangements are under the direction and care of Passalacqua Funeral Chapel, Benicia, (707) 745-3130. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to any charity.