Gary J. Raymond, age 59 of Shelton, CT passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at Griffin Hospital. Gary fought a courageous battle with cancer after being diagnosed this past summer.
Born on April 20, 1962, Gary was the beloved son of the late Joseph J. and Carol J. Raymond. He is also survived by his sisters, Lana and (Peter) Schofield of Lynnfield, MA, Dana and (Gary) Flach of Oxford, Karen Ceslik of Milford, and Dawn Savko of West Palm Beach, FL, and his brother, Stuart Raymond of Oxford. Gary is also survived by his nephews, Robert and (Tania) Barbeito of Winter Haven, FL, Daniel Barbeito of Oxford and Graham P. Cardiff; nieces, Nadine and (Tony) Anderson of Ansonia and Kerri Ceslik of Milford. Gary is also survived by his life partner and love, Colette “Bunny” Vitolo; best friends, Earl Curnan of Oxford and Ronnie Lundgren of Shelton and his faithful and loving four-legged companion, Hutch. Gary was pre-deceased by brothers, Stewart Cardiff and Graham G. Cardiff; nephews, Glen Barbeito and Stephen Ceslik III.
Gary attended Shelton schools. He worked for Raytheon and recently retired from the Laborers’ International Union of North America, New England Region, Local 665, Bridgeport, CT.
Gary lived in Colorado for a short time enjoying the snow-capped mountains and beautiful scenery all around him. He loved to fish since he was a young boy, and always looked forward to “Opening Day” when he could fish to his heart’s content. On one such day, he somehow managed to hook himself in the ear with a lure while casting, as only Gary could. Arriving at the ER, he sat next to a young woman. His pride took over as he would not turn his head to converse with her – in fear that she would see that he had a lure sticking out of his ear.
He loved his Harley and would often take long rides throughout the valley particularly on warm summer days. Gary especially loved birds and, at one time, raised Diamond Doves. He also enjoyed raising chickens and eating the freshly laid eggs, and for many years, he had a pet Quaker parrot. Gary loved dogs and he cherished his beloved dog, Hutch; his constant companion who brought him much joy – his Christmas cards were always signed, “Love, Gary and Hutch”.
Gary was much loved, and his life cruelly cut short by cancer, leaves us feeling so brokenhearted and devastated. May God bless him and may he rest in eternal peace.
On Friday, friends may call at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Rd., Shelton from 4 to 6 PM. Family and friends are required to wear masks.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby, CT 06418.
Friends may leave condolences at www.riverviewfh.com.
