Raymond E. Dobratz Jr.

Raymond E. Dobratz, Jr., 58, of Old Saybrook, passed away on Sun. Feb 7, 2010. Beloved husband of Paula (Vance) Dobratz. Ray was born in Meriden on Aug 9, 1951 to Maureen M. Dobratz of Meriden, and the late Raymond E. Dobratz, Sr. Ray was a member of the United Association Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 777 for the past 40 years. He served in the Army National Guard. He was on the Old Saybrook Police Commission for 13 years; an Old Saybrook Park & Rec. Commissioner also for 13 years. Ray was on the Board of Trustees for the Westbrook Elks, and a former member of the Democratic town committee, and coached youth sports. He was one of the co-founders of the Old Saybrook Youth Football Athletic League (OSYFAL) in the 1980s. Ray was an avid fisherman and loved the water. He was a well known figure in Old Saybrook; a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and will be sadly missed. Besides his wife of 38 years, he is survived by 3 sons: Erik R. Dobratz and his wife Denise of Hamden, David J. Dobratz of Old Saybrook, and Matthew P. Dobratz and his wife Sarah of Old Lyme; a sister Marie Heck of Meriden; 5 grandchildren: Lily, Cole, Lauren, Kendall, and Keegan; many nieces and nephews. Ray is predeceased by a son Peter V. Dobratz and his black lab Jetty. Family and friends may visit the Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook on Fri. Feb. 12, 2010 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm. Funeral services will be held Sat. Feb 13, at 10:00 am at the 1st Church of Christ Congregational in Old Saybrook. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Raymond Dobratz Scholarship Fund, c/o Liberty Bank, 90 Main St., Old Saybrook, CT, 06475, or spend time with someone you love and take them fishing. Please visit www.swanfuneralhomes.com for an online tribute