Deus Providebit Winner

2020 Deus Providebit Winners

Ray & Judy Golemi Spadafora ‘66

The 2020 Deus Providebit Award is presented to a couple, Ray and Judy Golemi Spadafora ’66, for the continuous outpouring of outstanding service, generosity and love towards everyone in the Chapelle community. After graduating from St. Christopher grammar school in 1962, Judy became a member of the charter class of Archbishop Chapelle High School. It was the duty and privilege of the charter class to help in the formation of so many aspects of what is Chapelle today. It included choosing the school colors, original skirt, mascot, writing the alma mater and the naming of many things relating to Chapelle. That is where her love and nurturing of Chapelle began and continues today.

Judy holds several college degrees from Southeastern Louisiana University including a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Home Economics, a Masters in Administration and Supervision and a Masters in Counseling. It was always her plan to return to Chapelle to share her talents and gifts. That dream began with her teaching Home Economics and later as a school counselor on Chapelle’s faculty. Judy was the chair of both departments, junior class sponsor, moderator of student awards and hostess of the school for many years to name a few of her duties. At present she is a member of the alumnae board. Former President/Principal Beth Johnson said that if you ask Judy to do anything, “it will be accomplished far beyond your expectations.” Judy believes that working beyond what is asked of her is important, especially when it comes to Chapelle. Many students and faculty members have touched her life. She hopes she has done the same for them and can continue to do so. She is grateful to have shared her gifts and talents through the years with Chapelle. She was deeply honored to be named Alumna of the Year in 2004 and feels overwhelmed and humbled to have the Valedictorian Award named after her in 2014, the year she retired from Chapelle after 40 years of service.

Ray graduated from Incarnate Word Grammar School, De La Salle High School and Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. After graduation he worked for a local public accounting firm before going into private accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), past Treasurer of Archbishop Chapelle Parent’s Club, past President of St. Ann Men’s The Provider 3

Club, past Co-Chairman of St. Ann’s Fair and was a volunteer organist for St. Ann Church for over 30 years. Ray retired in December, 2017 from HRI Properties as their Chief Financial Officer and continues to do tax work for various clients. He is also a certified recreational and technical cave scuba diver and instructor. He was recently certified to teach scuba diving to the disabled. Ray feels blessed that Judy has been able to fulfill her dream of making a difference at Chapelle and the opportunities it has presented for him to be involved and support such a remarkable school. He will always be grateful for the opportunities that Chapelle presented for him to be involved with his daughters while they attended Chapelle. God has provided many memories for him that he will always cherish. He is a member of the AICPA, LCPA, NSS-CDS, IANTD and NACD. He is a recipient of the Order of St. Louis Award.

Although they attended different grammar schools, Judy and Ray were taught by some of the same nuns. Ray met Judy the first hour of her freshman year at Southeastern. Possibly, it was meant to be as he had actually been introduced to her on two seperate occasions before college. Ray and Judy Spadafora celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2019.

Ray and Judy have two married daughters, Laura and Elizabeth, and three grandchildren – Noah, Maya and Cecily. Both of their daughters attended Archbishop Chapelle High School, one a Hi-Stepper and the other a Chapellette. Both daughters graduated with honors. Laura ‘88, married to Sami Rahman, is a Partner in Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Decker LLP, a national law firm, and is living in Houston. Elizabeth ‘97, married to Kenneth Kupar, is a Doctor of Chiropractics and co-owner of Superior Healthcare LLC in Metairie. Maya and Cecily regularly attend Chapelle Camps.

Ray and Judy have resided in Kenner for the past 45 years. They are parishioners at Divine Mercy Church where Judy is a weekly adorer in the adoration chapel. She taught CCD at St. Ann Parish for many years.

To share the Deus Providebit award as a couple, for their commitment and love of Chapelle, is heartwarming. They are proud to be a part of a school that continues to grow and strive for excellence for the betterment of their students, the community and beyond. The alma mater says it all from “we pledge our love to you, to God will provide”. Judy and Ray always feel there is more they can do to enlighten the students of Chapelle, put a smile on their faces and enhance the school for future chipmunks.