Jay Ribera, 49, of Hilmar, passed away on Saturday in a tragic auto accident.
Jay was born in San Diego to Narcisso and Cruz Ribera. Jay was an avid baseball fan, favoring the Cardinals. However the Cardinals didn’t compare to his dedication to the teams and students he coached and umpired for.
Jay coached not only for the Hilmar High baseball team, but also was chief umpire for the Hilmar and Stevinson Youth Baseball, as well as the chief umpire for the TPR Baseball. However, he was not just an avid baseball fan, but also a seasoned golfer, spending a few years assisting the Hilmar High golf coach, Ty Pettigrew.
When Jay wasn’t out playing ball, he enjoyed the simple things in life. He was a man who lived with integrity and who loved his family. A quiet evening at home in his favorite chair, with a bowl of chocolate ice cream, was time well spent. Disneyland was his idea of Hawaii, and his boys and teammates knew that he was "King Kong" and they were a little like Curious George, he was always willing to lend a hand, could handle anything and loved a challenge. Jay had an amazing sense of humor, a laugh and smile that in his passing from this earth will never leave the hearts and memories of those who knew and loved him.
Jay was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, son, friend and coach. He leaves behind his loving wife of 19 years, Deanna Ribera of Hilmar; his children, Kyle (Marissa) Ribera of North Carolina, Korey Ribera and Zack Ribera, both of Hilmar, and Derrik Sharbono and James Sharbono, both of Oregon; grandchildren, Alissa and D.J.; brothers, Gabe Ribera of San Luis Obispo, Jon Ribera of Virginia and Chris Ribera of Hanford; sister, Fina Byars of Texas; parents, Helen and Narcisso Ribera of Hanford; aunt and uncle, Carmen and Felix Acuna of Texas; and many nieces, nephews and one great nephew.
Jay was preceded in death by his mother, Cruz Ribera; and brother, Michael Ribera.
A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 10 at Allen Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Ribera Family C/O TPR Baseball, 3561 Snowmass Lane, Turlock, CA 95382 or www.tprbaseball.com.
