Ray Venezia, also known as Ray the Butcher, was a renowned master butcher, author, and TV personality who appeared on several shows, including “The Rachael Ray Show”. He was known for his expertise in meat selection, preparation, and cooking, as well as his witty and friendly demeanor. He passed away on August 22, 2022, at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and a grieving family. But what was the cause of his death? And why is there a message of anti-suicide attached to his son’s fundraiser in his honor?
The Official Cause of Death: Natural
According to his obituary, Ray Venezia died of natural causes at the Newton Medical Center in New Jersey. He was born on April 21, 1959, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Raymond and Dolores Venezia. He grew up in Edison and Fort Lee before settling in Stillwater Township in 1991. He was a third-generation master butcher who worked for more than 25 years in the meat industry. He was also an author of “The Everyday Meat Guide: A Neighborhood Butcher’s Advice Book”, which was published in 2016. He appeared on various TV shows, such as “The Rachael Ray Show”, “Fox and Friends”, and “The New York Times”. He was married to Dorean Venezia and had three children and four grandchildren.
Ray Venezia was a beloved public figure who touched the lives of many with his knowledge, skills, and humor. He was respected and admired by his peers and fans alike. His passing was a shock to many who knew him and followed him. His funeral service was held on August 25, 2022, at the Smith-McCracken Home in Newton, New Jersey, where his family and friends gathered to pay their respects and honor his memory.
The Unofficial Cause of Death: Suicide?
However, some details about Ray Venezia’s death have raised questions and suspicions among some people. One of them is the fact that his son, Raymond Michael Venezia III, started a fundraiser on GoFundMe in his father’s name with a message of anti-suicide. The fundraiser description reads:
“My father passed away suddenly on August 22nd. He was an amazing man who loved his family more than anything. He was also a master butcher who taught me everything I know about the meat industry. He was my mentor, my hero, and my best friend. I miss him more than words can express.
I am starting this fundraiser to honor his memory and to raise awareness about suicide prevention. Suicide is a serious issue that affects millions of people around the world. It is not a sign of weakness or cowardice, but a result of mental illness that needs to be treated with compassion and care. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You are not alone. There is hope.
All the proceeds from this fundraiser will go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a non-profit organization that supports research, education, advocacy, and support for people affected by suicide. AFSP’s mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
Please join me in honoring my father’s legacy by donating to this cause that is close to my heart. Thank you for your support and generosity.”
The fundraiser has raised over $15,000 as of March 8, 2023, with many donors leaving messages of condolences and support for Ray Venezia’s family.
The message of anti-suicide attached to the fundraiser has led some people to wonder if Ray Venezia’s death was actually a suicide rather than a natural cause. However, there is no official confirmation or evidence to support this speculation. The reason why Raymond Michael Venezia III chose to dedicate his fundraiser to suicide prevention remains unclear. It could be that he wanted to raise awareness about a cause that he personally cared about or that he had some personal experience with suicide in his family or circle of friends. It could also be that he wanted to honor his father’s life by helping others who are suffering from mental health issues.
Whatever the case may be, the fact remains that Ray Venezia’s death was a tragic loss for his family, friends, fans, and the meat industry. He will be remembered for his contributions to the culinary world and his passion for sharing his knowledge and skills with others. He will be missed by many who loved him and learned from him.
Rest in peace, Ray the Butcher.
