Raymond (Ray) Onidi. Sr, age 75 of Shelton, beloved husband of Janet (Bennett) Onidi, entered into eternal rest on Friday July 10th, 2020 in Waterbury Hospital. Born in Bristol on March 15, 1945, he was a son of the late Ermin and Dorothy (Stewart/Downs) Onidi.
A graduate of Seymour High School, Class of 1963, Ray loved to travel, camping, fishing, and enjoyed watching baseball, football and old westerns. Singing and playing the spoons were Ray’s lifelong passions, he could always be heard singing a song and enjoyed performing with his friends; in the more recent years he enjoyed singing at the monthly Newtown United Methodist Church dinner. One of the last songs he performed there was his version of Over the Rainbow which he was so proud of.
In addition to his loving wife Janet of 53 years, survivors include his children, Michele Koslowski (Robert) of Ansonia, Aaron Onidi (Danielle) of MA , Daryl Onidi (Michelle) of Shelton, Raymond Onidi (Heather) of VT , Deanna Kirkeby (Kevin) of FL , James Onidi of Ansonia, Maranda Onidi of Ansonia, Kim Clark (Rob) of Bridgeport, and Janice Hansen of Shelton; siblings Helen Bouchard (Norman) of FL, Cindy Beauchmin (Paul) of Naugatuck, Ed Downs of West Hartland; Brother in-law Bill Cooke of Derby, and brother in law Mike Mazzarella of Southbury; 22 beloved grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews and extended family. Ray was predeceased by his sisters Eleanor Cooke and Susan Mazzarella.
Ray, along with his caring wife, devoted their lives to providing a loving home to children in need and fostered over 50 children throughout the years. In his later years, Ray turned to taking in many animals (birds, bunnies, hamsters and dogs) and he loved them all.
His family will hold a memorial service at a later date. For now, he will be flying over that rainbow with the lovely little bluebirds.
