Raymond Frank Bonczek

My sympathies go out the Bonczek family. I remember Ray cutting my hair about 40 years ago. And the Bazooka gum I would get. I was introduced to Ritchie Rich and Beetle Bailey comic books there. It was such a pleasure to get a haircut. We were just back in Simsbury in early July and saw that Ray was recuperating. Thanks for all the memories Ray!

Hello,

My family moved to Simsbury 22 years ago and we asked neighbors for recommendations about doctors, dentists, barbers and others. Ray was highly recommended to me by several people. I began going to him for a haircut and formed a wonderful relationship with him over these past years. He always was kind enough to ask about my family, business, and the sports teams we both enjoyed rooting for. I will miss him very much. He was a great barber and a wonderul human being. My...

For me, losing Ray meant losing an Uncle, but worse. From the time I was very little, Ray's shop was not only a place to get a haircut, but to spend some time with a truly great guy. Even at a young age, Ray treated me like a grandson. Looking back, I realize that's just how Ray was. He held no malice, and loved everybody as though they were his own.

As I grew older, I remember Ray coming to a couple of my Little Leage games. "That boy could 'trow' the ball," he used to say. Driving...

We were blessed to have Ray in our lives. He welcomed my Dad (who refused to get a haircut before he came to CT until he saw Ray)from Pittsburgh each visit with a haircut and warm loving welcome. Our son and my husband spent many Saturday mornings chatting with Ray and came home the better. We loved him. We loved his tomatoes, his humor, his beautiful faith and his intelligent wit. He was the cornerstone of Simsbury. Our prayers and blessings to his wonderful family.
Liz and Rob...

Please except my deepest condolences, and remote participation in celebrating this life. I used to walk to Ray's from our old house on Great Pond Road. He let me tear pages out of comic books, take an extra Bazooka bubblegum or Atomic Fireball and put up with me and my brothers arguing in his shop. Ray was always a legend to us, an outstanding human being, humble and kind and hilarious. Rest well.

Living in California for the last 20 years, I would try and time my haircuts so I could visit Ray when I came back to Simsbury. He knew everyone and had all the local news. It was visiting family. When we were young, 5 or 6, Firetown Road had no stop signs,so Ray would leave the shop, take our hands and walk my brothers and I across the street. Leaving his customers for the moment, making sure we were alright. He cut the hair of 5 generations of my family. He will be sorely missed. What...

I remember going to Ray's shop when I was 4 or 5 years old in the early 90's, and I remember Ray sitting me up on that famous little red chair, and I just felt so comfortable. Then after a few years my father drove me to his close friend Rick's barber shop for haircuts and I don't think I've been to Ray's for about 8-10 years. When I was about 15 I walked to Ray's for the first time in years and as soon as I walked in he greeted me and actually remembered me. He told me about my past...

Ray gave my son David his first haircut and still remembered it 19 years later. He was one of the most pleasant people to be around and made everyone feel at ease. I regret only learning of his passing this morning and not being able to pay my respects. He will be missed by us all.

I had the pleasure of growing up next door to Ray in the 1950's. I remember many hours spent "working" at the barbershop. What a great place for a young boy to be able to hang out! I will always be greatful for Ray's kind and supportive nature. At this difficult time may his family be comforted by the knowledge that he had a positive impact on so many people.
Richard (Ricky) Roach