Raymond Victor Havican, Jr.

WALLINGFORD - Raymond Victor Havican, Jr., devoted husband of the late Jean Heidgen Havican, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Friday, Aug. 26, 2016 surrounded by his loving family.
Ray was born in Stamford, on Dec. 22, 1927, son of the late Raymond V. Havican, Sr., and Emma Mary Herbst Havican.

He is survived by his sister, Audrey Havican Barberet (Gene); his daughters and sons-in-law, Maureen (Ashley) Warren, Cathleen (Stephen) Montano, and Sheila (Raymond) Graham; and his grandchildren, Julie, Michael, and Jenna Rae Montano. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Doris Heidgen Hays; several nieces and nephews, and their children. Ray was predeceased by his beloved sister, Janice Havican Triano; her husband, Charles Triano; and his brother-in-law, George (Jim) Hays.

Ray was proud of his Irish heritage, proud of the home life he provided, and proud of being a traditional family man who stressed the importance of hard work, commitment to education, responsibility for oneself and loyalty to loved ones. He was a strong-willed leader who demanded, and earned, respect. He had his challenges with a household dominated by females, including his beloved dog, Sasha the Samoyed, and he delighted in spirited debates, which he always won by assigning himself five votes to the single votes of his wife and daughters. Defeat, he advised with a wink, builds character.

Ray grew up in Waterbury. Upon graduation from Crosby High School, he enlisted in the U. S. Army. He served in Japan during the Occupation with the Eighth Army Signal Corps as an instructor in field communications. Ray received the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal, and was honorably discharged in Dec. 1947. Ray attended Yale University on the GI Bill and majored in Industrial Administration, earning a bachelor's degree from the School of Engineering in 1952. He was a lifelong member of the Chi Psi fraternity, and served as president of the Meriden-Wallingford chapter of the Association of Yale Alumni for many years.

Ray worked for General Motors Corporation in Detroit, Mich., after graduation. A fraternity brother soon set him up on a blind date with Jean Heidgen, a sparkling, smart and spirited Gamma Phi Beta sorority girl from the University of Michigan. They were a perfect match, and wed in 1954. Ray took a position in sales management with United States Steel and they relocated to Chicago, Ill., where their daughters, Maureen and Cathleen were born. Ray became a sales trouble-shooter and his talents led him to Des Moines, Iowa, for a period of time, where their daughter, Sheila was born. Another move to Old Bridge, N.J., followed, and the family later finally settled in Wallingford, in 1971.

Ray's career in steel sales management led him to assume a regional position with American Strip Steel in the mid-1970s, and he completed his career with Feroleto Steel in Bridgeport, from where he retired in 1995.
While working full time, Ray attended the University of New Haven and earned a master's degree in business administration in 1978. He taught Management Science at UNH for many years as an adjunct instructor.
Ray was passionate about politics and enjoyed many years of service on the Wallingford Democratic Town Committee and the Zoning Board of Appeals, ending his tenure as Board Chairman.

Ray's family was the focus of his later years. His daughters were devoted to his well-being, and the family spent much time together, having the good fortune of living close enough to not miss out on any holidays or occasions.

Services for Ray were held at Our Lady of Fatima Church, where he was a faithful communicant for 45 years. Memorial contributions can be made to the Wallingford Public Library Association, 200 N. Main St., Wallingford, CT 06492.

Carry on, Daddy. Carry on. And remember, God is watching you.

xo