Raymond Bliss was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, the older of two children (sister Betty) born to Dean and Clara (Scafuro) Bliss, on August 7, 1929.
Music was Ray's second language; in high school he was the student conductor for his high school band and directed his own swing band (the Cavaliers). Having graduated from Kent State University in 1951, with a degree in music education, he entered the US Air Force during the Korean conflict (1951). Naturally, he became associated with the Air Force band of the West, as well as conducting the Singing Airmen, directly involved in the weekly broadcasts. After completing four years, he retired as a Technical Sergeant moving on to the University of Texas in Austin, receiving a Masters degree in music education. While there, he directed the choir at St. Mary's Cathedral and taught music at the Incarnate Word College.
Along the way, he married Evelyn Kolesar and they settled down to raise their son, Brian. Returning to his home state of Ohio, he taught music in the Garfield Heights school system, moving on to the Mamaroneck school system in Westchester County, New York, where he taught at all grade levels for 27 years and pursued doctoral studies at Columbia University. Wherever he went, the joy of his life was conducting church choirs, inspiring others to praise the Lord.
After his wife's sad loss to cancer, he found a soulmate who shared his faith and love of sacred music and married Sheila Garvey Meehan, gaining two new "sons" Tom and Hugh Meehan. Upon retirement, Ray from teaching and Sheila from IBM, they moved to bucolic Old Saybrook in 2004 to be closer to their children and grandchildren in Connecticut. Of course, Ray immediately established a male chorus at St. John's Church, specializing in Gregorian Chant and wrote a theme song for his beloved Knights of Columbus, also contributing original music to St. John's school for their beautiful CD "Peace on the Horizon".
He and Sheila had a wonderful time singing with the Lyme Village Voices, as well as performing at Old Saybrook High School's talent show. Whether teaching, singing, conducting or composing music, Ray has touched the hearts of countless people in Ohio, Texas, New York and Connecticut with his warmth and passion for music, especially as it relates to his indomitable faith in God.
Ray leaves his loving wife of 36 years, Sheila, sons Brian Bliss of Akron, Ohio and Hugh (Eileen) and Tom Meehan (Betsy), as well as fourteen beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren residing in Tennessee and Connecticut, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews, too numerous to mention.
Special thanks to Gladeview's team of "angels" who so lovingly cared for Ray during his last days. Also, much appreciation to the beloved "shepherds" and blessed flock of compassionate and loving members of St. John's Church who gave Ray and me great spiritual comfort and solace at a challenging time. Richard, Jan and Terry never failed to love and support him.
Funeral service will take place on Thursday April 19, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. from the Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook and at 11:00 a.m. in St. John's Church, Old Saybrook, for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Friends may greet the family on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. Rather than flowers, contributions to St. John's school, Xavier High School and the FOCUS program would be appreciated -- all institutions reinforcing the most important elements of life, that of faith, hope and love, love being the greatest of all.
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