Hall of Famer Ray Bernabei, Executive Director of the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA) for the last 33 years, died on Friday in Orlando, Fla., from complications of non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Bernbei, a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame class of 1978 and 1990 recipient of the NSCAA Honor Award, was 83.
Bernabei was captain of the U.S. Open Cup champion Harmarville (Pa.) Hurricane team in 1952 and 1956 and served as a soccer referee for 43 years, calling countless high school, college and professional matches.
Bernabei is survived by two sisters, Mary Kuczynski and Nora Melani; sons Dr. Raymond, Alan and Leo; daughters Rosemary Rocconi and Lori Pursel; 12 grandchildren and two great-granchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to:
NISOA Foundation Fund
c/o: John Vandevaarst
NISOA
1030 Ohio Avenue
Cape May, NJ 08204
Funeral arrangements: Charles B. Jarvie Funeral Home, Inc., 1607 Pittsburgh Street, Cheswick, PA 15024 (724-274-7080).
Viewing: Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, 6-9 p.m., Charles B. Jarvie Funeral Home, Inc.
Services: Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, 9:30 a.m., Charles B. Jarvie Funeral Home, Inc.