Raymond F. Danahy

Raymond F. Danahy, 83, of East Hartford, husband of Louise (Backer), died at his home on Monday, (January 7, 2002) following a long illness. Born in Hartford to the late William J. and Mary (Tierney), Ray was a lifelong resident of the town he loved. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. Commencing in 1946, Ray was employed for 31 years by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, the majority as a project materials engineer. He was a former member of the Town of East Hartford Board of Education, Board of Finance, and the East Hartford Exchange Club. Often a contrarian, Ray's insight and counsel provided guidance and an alternative voice on a host of issues. Although forced to leave school to support his family, Raymond placed a high value on education. A self-made man, Ray provided the inspirational and financial impetus for the establishment of the perpetual Danahy Family Scholarship Fund, which each year benefits graduating seniors from East Hartford High School. In addition to his wife, Ray leaves a beloved son, John of East Hartford. He also leaves his son, Peter of South Windsor; and a daughter-in-law, Pam. Foremost in his thoughts, Ray leaves the shining essence of his later years, his grandchildren, Michael P. Danahy of Princeton, NJ, a Ph.D. candidate in Chemistry at Princeton University, and Maura L. Danahy of South Windsor, a senior elementary education major at Connecticut College in New London. "May they always run with the wind at their backs". A kindred soul and beloved twin sister, Gladys Goyeneche of New Orleans, LA; along with various nieces and nephews, also survive Raymond. His brothers, Willie, Ritchie and Jimmy predeceased him. Burial was private in Hillside Cemetery, East Hartford.