Raymond Check

Check, Raymond R.
Raymond R. Check, age 77, of Trumbull, died peacefully with his beloved family on March 4, 2013 at St. Vincent's Medical Center after a most brave and courageous battle. He never complained, was unafraid, and believed in his caregivers, his family and friends, and ultimately, in God's will. His family was proudly and tirelessly there for him during his 3-month illness and despite being so ill, he remained as perfect as he'll always be. Mr. Check was born in Bridgeport and a Trumbull resident for 45 years. He was educated at the Cambridge School of Radio and Television in NYC and the University of Bridgeport (1955), the Lee Institute of Real Estate(1965), Sacred Heart University, and Fairfield University(1974). He was nominated for an Honorary Associate Degree in Applied Science at Graham Junior College in Boston, received numerous special recognition awards for his work in Radio and Television, for his service to the Greater Bridgeport Board of Realtors and with Junior Achievement, and was inducted into the International Who's Who of Professionals in 1997. In addition, he became a licensed EMT in 1986 and has been a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Connecticut since 1976. His career as a Radio and Television Broadcaster began in 1956, known professionally as Vin Roberts, in New York City for the American Broadcasting Company (WABC) where he became night Program Manager of Network and Local Radio. During this time he proudly served in the Army National Guard (1958-1961) and as a Reserve of the US Army(1961-1964), being Honorably Discharged in 1964. After leaving a notable presence behind at WABC he returned home to CT where he would establish his legendary radio career as a newswriter and reporter, an on-air personality, a program director, and as a General Manager. He was associated with 12 radio stations and 2 television stations including WRCH (formerly WHAY) in New Britain, WWCO in Waterbury, WNLK in Norwalk, WMMW in Meriden, WADS in Ansonia, WDJZ in Bridgeport, and Channel 30 Television in Hartford. However, he is most remembered as an on-air personality for WICC in Bridgeport, beginning in the 1960's, and later as Program Director and General Manager of WFIF in Milford, also serving as staff Instructor and Assistant Director of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. He kept his hand in the broadcasting business to this day, often cutting commercials for the Real Estate Companies he managed, and maintains relationships with those colleagues and friends to this day. Special memories for all of us include times when he was either live on-the-air or being the Emcee of live shows on stage which included The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, and every relevant country artist of the day. Mr. Check was a licensed Real Estate Broker in the state of CT for over 35 years. He managed Elmer R. Craw Real Estate in Bridgeport and Stratford for many years (1976-1986), managed Tom Brennan Real Estate in Bridgeport and Trumbull (1986-1988) and was named as Vice President and Manager of Dollar Dry Dock Real Estate in Trumbull from 1988-1998 where he established lasting friendships. He was briefly with Coldwell Banker until he accepted a managerial position with Century 21 Richter Real Estate in Stratford until recently, choosing to pursue opportunities as a consultant in both Broadcasting and in Real Estate. Professional affiliations and memberships include The American Federation of Radio and TV Artists (AFTRA), The Connecticut and Greater Bridgeport Board of Realtors where he served as Public Relations Chairman(1990-1996), the National Association of Realtors, The New Haven Board of Realtors/MLS, and the Beardsley Zoological Society.
He loved all animals and he and his wife nurtured and raised a family of feral cats and domesticated them into wonderful indoor house pets. His presence outdoors naturally attracts wild animals and they would trust him in a special way. Cats, birds, raccoons, opossum, deer, turkeys and others- no animal was left hungry. He is survived by his beloved wife Eleanor Veres Check of Trumbull; his devoted children Dr. Joseph R. Check of Trumbull and Tiffany L. Check Richards and her husband Darren Richards of Milford; and his loving sister Frances Check of Bridgeport. Beloved son of the late Frank and Bertha Check. Friends and family are invited to attend his funeral services on Saturday at 9:45 am at the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home 399 White Plains Rd. Trumbull and at 10:30 am at St. Theresa Church 5301 Main St. Trumbull. Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery with full military honors. Friends may call on Friday from 4-8 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the CT Humane Society 701 Russell Rd. Newington, CT 06111. For online condolences please visit www.mullinsfh.com