Raymond Louis Locatto

Raymond Louis Locatto, Sr. was born on April 8, 1949 in New Orleans, LA. The love of my life was unexpectedly called away on December 28, 2025. Ray was preceded in death by his parents Dominic Raymond and Florence Richardson Locatto; sister Connie Piazza; and brother, Constandino “Gus” Locatto.

Ray loved to fish, crab, and shrimp. Being Italian and from New Orleans, he loved to cook and we all loved his cooking! He was a landscaper by trade and enjoyed being outdoors working in the yard. After moving here 3 years ago, he was looking forward to planting a little garden in the spring.

Left to cherish his so many stories and wonderful memories are his wife Vicki Hardy Locatto; sister Stella Magne’ (Jack); son Raymond Locatto, Jr. (Louise), daughter Gina Locatto (Brad), daughter Crissy Locatto (Ray), son Dominick Locatto, and stepson Chad McClure. Ray was Paw Paw to 9 grandkids and 2 great-grands. He also had several nieces and nephews.

Also sharing memories are or extended family members, Theron Magers, Diedra, RaeAnn and Wynn Donivan, Brenda and Chris Wells, Sue Hatley, the 2 O’Clock Bayou bunch and Perrin Lazenby, the great fisherman.

Ray had a big family that loved him and he loved you all very much. Please make any donations to St. Hilda Church in Natchitoches or the Cancer Society or the Animal Rescue of your choice.

My dad was a good, kind man. He taught me to fish, ride a bike, shoot a gun, and much more. At 13, he gave me my first computer, which would later shape my life. If you think about it, without that first computer, what would my life be like?

He became a father at a very young age—twenty, in fact. I'm not sure if he was ready to be a dad, but I do know he never gave up. Eventually, he got it right and became a father anyone could be proud of. He was thoughtful, insightful, and caring. If he gave his word, he honored it. Sometimes, if he was misunderstood, he would lament it (to me), but he never defended himself. I respect that. His love for his children and his wife, Vicki, defined him. He wanted to be part of his children's lives in any way he could—in any way they would let him.

If you asked him for help, he would drive half a day to be there for 30 minutes, then drive half a day just to get back home. He didn't complain. He didn't blame. He didn't speak ill of others. He gave love and understanding.

I owe a lot to my dad. He showed me that it's okay to be a little different. It's okay to not think exactly like everyone else. He always believed in me—believed in the man I would become—when no one else did. He helped me through hard times, took me in when life threw surprises at me. He was always there for me, always ready to lend a hand. He never gave up on me, and I never gave up on him.

I'm going to miss him. I already do.

I met Ray in my late teens. I was young, dumb and full of suspicion about everyone and everything. He had a calming charisma that made his approaches and anyone around him easily welcomed. Ray always had something on the grill, on the stove, on the hook and in the glass and always ready for conversation or an ear to listen.

He may seemed to be an old soul and I was glad I was able to experience his guidance and words of wisdom for myself and seen for others on multiple occasions. So much so, that you would think he could see into the future and had lived many lives in the past. Often he would give me words of wisdom that I heed and consider or completely ignore. Most of the advice he offered was over a drink and fishing and he would always follow it with, “you do what you do boy. I’m telling you what I know but I don’t know it all, but I have lived a lot of it.” Often times, months later, I would find out he was usually correct, especially about people and relationships.

Some of the most important traits that Ray carried was his selflessness, loyalty, honesty and supportiveness to anyone that he came in contact with. He was always there for friends and family no matter what, even despite weather or health. Most importantly to me he was always there for my mom. He was her steadfast rock and partner in crime. Ray always got the job done to make her happy and laugh and above all he was supportive to all of her needs and emotions. I knew I never had to worry with him in the picture.

Rays addictive chuckles and heartfelt words and smiles will be missed by myself and I’m sure everyone he has come into contact with. He was definitely a presence that didn’t go under the radar wherever he was. I’m not going to have my step father here to ask the tough questions that have always been needed and very helpful throughout my life. My mom lost her anchor and confidant, her husband and bestie. You will be missed by everyone that you reached out to and helped in your life Ray. Your one of those souls that when someone has spent enough time with you, part of your personality rubs off on each one of us and we will continue to feel that presence for the rest of our lives and will always know that you are still with us.

A memorial service in his honor will be held at a later date.