Raymond V Kalinowski

He was born in Norwich on Sept. 13, 1935 to the late Stanley and Mary (Kozlowski) Kalinowski.

Following graduation from N.F.A. he worked at Dow Chemical to earn money to attend college. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Willimantic State Teachers College (now ECSU), and all graduate work at University of Connecticut. He served in the Army National Guard until his Honorable Discharge and was past treasurer of the Norwich Chapter of the N.A.A.C.P.

It was at college where he met his loving wife, Marie Breen. They were wed on June 18, 1960 at St. Rose Church in E. Hartford, CT.

Ray worked as a teacher, teaching principal, and principal in the Norwich School System until his retirement. He was truly devoted to the concept that all children should receive a quality education and being a mentor to them and his peers.

Ray’s life was dedicated to helping others and when he was no longer able to physically help, he would advocate for them spending numerous hours on the phone in conversation with people and organizations that he could assist.

He is survived by his wife Marie, his son Mark and daughter-in-law Dianne, daughter Beth Belliveau and son-in-law Philip, brother Jack, sisters; Helen Carolinas and Mary Ann Beams, 5 grandchildren; Joshua, Paul, Matthew, Alysha and Connor, 2 great grandchildren; Shawn and Jasmine, along with several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, August 1st, 2014 at Sacred Heart Church, Providence St., Taftville at 10:00am. Interment immediately followed at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Norwich. Calling hours were held on Thursday, July 31st, 2014 from 6pm to 8pm at Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Av., Norwich, CT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent dePaul’s Place, 120 Cliff St., Norwich, CT 06360.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers of Harrington Court in Colchester.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.labenskifuneralhome.com