Raymond "Ray" Ramsey

Raymond N. “Ray” Ramsey, 80, of Tolland and formerly of East Hartford, loving husband of 56 years of Margaret “Peg” (Grady) Ramsey, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his caring family on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Born in Hartford on February 12, 1943, a son of the late Raymond E. and Doris (LaMarche) Ramsey, he had been a resident of East Hartford for over 50 years prior to moving to a home he built with his own hands with the help of friends and family in1998. Ray was a graduate of East Hartford High School, class of 1961 and was on the planning committee for every class reunion. Ray worked for 39 years in the electrical utility industry, retiring from Northeast Utilities as a Supervisor in the Meter Service Division.

A devout Catholic, Ray was an active, faithful communicant of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church in Hartford where he was an usher, and a former communicant of St. Rose Church in East Hartford. While at St. Rose, he co-chaired the church’s annual carnival for several years. Ray believed in giving back to his community and volunteered for many years with the Nutmeg State Games. While an East Hartford resident, he was deeply involved in local politics and was a loyal campaign advisor and worker for Congressman John Larson throughout his long political career.

Ray, also known as Rammer to many of his friends, loved people and enjoyed life. He was a longtime member of the Volunteer Hose Co. #3 in East Hartford, a social member at Ellington Ridge Country Club, and always looked forward to the monthly Tuesday night F&L dinners with his friends. A talented woodworker and cook, Ray enjoyed entertaining friends and relatives, and making his annual Christmas ornaments, limoncello, hot peppers, and gorgonzola bread for everyone to enjoy. Always up for a social gathering, he would show up in a brightly colored sweatshirt holding one of his culinary creations and throwing out a witty quip for those in attendance. Most of all, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved supporting his grandchildren at all their sporting events and school activities.

Along with his beloved wife Peg, Ray is survived by his three cherished daughters, Noele Ramsey Kidney and her husband Brad of Ellington, Kelly Ramsey Fuhlbrigge and her husband Tom of Ellington, Melanie Irene Ramsey and her husband Christopher Stino of Tolland; and four adored grandchildren, Caroline Jennifer Kidney, Jack Bradford Kidney, Thomas Joseph Fuhlbrigge, and Tyler Andrew Fuhlbrigge all of Ellington. He also leaves his sister, Pamela Weaver of Murrel’s Inlet, SC; a sister-in-law, Janet Grady of Boca Raton, FL; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

Funeral service will be Monday (November 20, 2023) at 8:45 am from the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church, 285 Church Street, Hartford. For live streaming of the mass please visit www.spsact.org. A burial will follow at Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Ray’s family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home chapel on Sunday afternoon (November 19, 2023) from 2-5 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ray’s name may be made to St. Anthony Bread for the Poor (Sandwich Program), 285 Church Street, Hartford, CT 06103. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.