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Darlene Raytar Obituary
Darlene S. Raytar, age 56, a lifelong resident of the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, passed away on July 14, 2017.
Darlene's memory will be embraced by her siblings, Carl Raytar and his wife Sharon, of Milford, Patricia Merola, of Black Rock, Gary Raytar and his wife Chun Hwa, of Easton, and Thomas Raytar and his wife, Lynn, of Fairfield; her cherished nieces and nephews, Janet Riccio, Jeffrey Raytar, Christina Raytar, Gary Raytar, Jr., Theresa Raytar, Frank Rettell, Anna Rettell, Amanda Raytar, Michael Raytar; several great nieces and nephews; Many cousins; many dear friends including Patty, Kim, Joann, Linda, and Georgia; her furry kids, Paris, Nick, Peekaboo, Chloe, Notail, Jen, and Holly. In addition to her parents, the late Carl and Mildred Silhavey Raytar, Darlene was predeceased by her brother in law, Robert Merola, and nephew, David Raytar.
Darlene graduate from Bassick High School in 1979, later receiving her degree from Housatonic Community College. She worked for Meyer Brothers Parking garage as a cashier before a 29 year career as a senior buyer for People's Bank.
She was a woman of strong faith, serving as a Eucharist Minister with Saint Ann Church. As a dedicated parishioner, Darlene volunteered on numerous church committees. She cared deeply for her community, especially children and animals. She served as a member of (CERT) Community Emergency Response Team, and was a regular volunteer with the Nutmeg Animal Care Program that provided weekly care clinics at Beardsley Park. Darlene enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, country drives, and an occasional trip to the casinos.
The Raytar family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for those who gave care to Darlene, as well as, her extended family and dear friends whose presence provided comfort during her illness. They are grateful for Darlene's continuous remembrance by the prayer lines of Saint Ann, Saint Theresa, and Holy Cross Churches. They would also like to thank Fathers Flynn, Gannon, and Lynch, and the Sisters of Mother Teresa for their prayers and support.
Calling hours will be held on Monday from 4-8 p.m. in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. On Tuesday, funeral services will take place at 945 a.m. in the funeral home and 1030 a.m. in Saint Ann Church. Interment will follow in Mountain Grove Cemetery.
The family would prefer memorial contributions made to: Saint Ann Church or the Bridgeport Animal Shelter. To order flowers online, travel directions, or to sign her guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Darlene Raytar
SUSAN NICHOLAS MADDEN
July 12, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I will love you and miss you always.
Mike Pomarico
July 9, 2023
Rest In Peace Darlene
Susan Nicholas Madden
July 11, 2022
You are always in my heart never, to be forgotten.
Terry Chaffee Tetreault
July 9, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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Kim Nilan
July 9, 2021
4 years and it feels like yesterday that you left us. I think of you often and talk to you about everything going on in my life. I miss you and always will. Someday we will see one another again.
SUSAN NICHOLAS-MADDEN
July 9, 2020
I STILL CANNOT BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE GONE. MISS YOU SO MUCH.
Joanne Fairfield
July 9, 2020
Will never forget you Darlene.Patti and I have so many memories when you were a baby.,and of course as an adult.Love you Darlene,hope you and Bob and your mom and dad are enjoying Friday night Pizza that I remember when I was a teenager.God Bless love Joanne Fairfield
Terry Chaffee tetreault
July 9, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Your friend always. Terry chaffee Tetreault
judy smith
July 9, 2020
Three years have passed. You are still remembered. xoxoxo Judy
Deborah Dobitas
July 13, 2019
To a Beautiful person who always had a great sense of humor. Your Friend, Debbie Francis (Burke) Dobitas.
joanne fairfield
July 12, 2019
I have been thinking of Darlene since she passed.So many questions ,WHY? Knew Darlene from the time she was born.Loved this sweet little girl.Patti and I tookher everywhere.!!!!! An angel she was will will always be in my heart and memories. Thinking of you Patti as well. How are you? Let's get toether soon.Please call or I willcall you.Plesae knew Darlene will always be loved by me. Love and Hugs Joanne Fairfield.
Mike Pomarico
July 10, 2019
May you Rest In Peace Darlene, until we meet again, please tell Dad I said hello.
Victoria Partch
July 10, 2019
Patty we may be far away but we are always thinking of you.Ca not believe it is 2 years since we lost Darlene❤We are here for you. Love you,Larry,Vicki
Richard Link
July 9, 2019
We all miss Darlene. A wonderful person.
Terry Tetreault (chaffee)
July 9, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Joanne Fairfield
July 20, 2017
Patti So sorry for your loss.Remembering when Darlene was born . Such a cutie with the most awsome smile,that continued through her life. So happy to have known her, and watched her grow up, and become such a caring,loving person.Darlene is at peace now. She is an ANGEL. Patti
Besides sisters you were best friends. Please know I am here to listen if you need to talk. Darlene will forever be remembered in my heart. So sorry.
Judy Smith
July 19, 2017
SO SORRY for the loss of Darlene - Smith Family of Black Rock
Amanda Raytar
July 18, 2017
I will truly miss you aunt darlene. you are a tough strong women and always have been. you have always cared and been there for others. my memories with you will always be remembered. I know you are a angel now in haven watching over us all. I love you so much.
Michael Raytar
July 18, 2017
My aunt Darlene is the most loving, caring woman to all. I have so many wonderful and funny memories growing up. Every time my dad and I came over she would make sure I drank water or Gatorade, she would give me in the summer to stay hydrated. No more suffering your in heaven in gods hands. Rip I love you for ever! -your nephew Michael ❤
July 18, 2017
It's so rare to have neighbors be like family, as I was truly blessed and honored to have had such an experience. Darlene, your authentic nature of kindness and helpfulness was inspiring. You truly "walked the walk". You were fiercely strong in your convictions, yet possessed a contagious and gentle smile. We shared our affinity for our faith, our animals and spicy food! I will treasure the photos of my 4th of July party where we all wore the red rubber clown noses. I will miss you terribly, Your forever friend,
Laurene Truhn .
CARMEN SOTO
July 18, 2017
I had the privilege to work with Darlene at Peoples and she was the nicest person, always pleasant. Praying for comfort and peace for the family. RIP DARLENE!
Maura Petzolt
July 18, 2017
Deepest condolences to my Silhavy cousins upon the death of Darlene. I will have a Mass said here in Mobile for her. My grandmother, Irene Silhavy McCarthy, is also buried in Mountain Grove. May your good memories bring you comfort.
Jill Kolaniak
July 17, 2017
Such sad news. Rest in peace Darlene.
July 17, 2017
Rest peacefully Darlene. Growing up on Princeton St with you has left me so many wonderful memories of our childhood. As I look at your picture, it reminds me of the huge smile that you always had for everyone that you met. I thank you once again for allowing my mom to continue receiving holy communion through your gracious efforts as a communicant from St. Ann's. I will never forget you for that amongst many other cherished memories. Rest in peace my beautiful friend xo
Therese Bouchard
July 17, 2017
To the family and friends of Darlene,
I am very sorry for the loss of Darlene. She was such a beautiful person and I will always remember seeing her at the 4:00 PM Mass at St. Ann's Church and always saying hello with a smile. We would volunteer at many different events at Church and always had so much fun. I was so saddened to hear she was sick and even more saddened to hear of her passing. May the good memories you have of her get you through the hardest moments. The earth has lost an angel but heaven certainly gained one. R.I.P Darlene. You will be truly missed by many.
Tina Bencze
July 17, 2017
Darlene exhibited all of the qualities I admire most in a person: kindness, devotion to her faith, connection to family, love for animals and the willingness to help those in need. I am blesses to have known her. Rest in Peace Darlene.
Joye & Mike Lynch
July 17, 2017
My heart is broken for your family. You will be missed. Patty, call me any time you feel like you need to talk. I wish I could be with you at this sad time. You have been through so much. I am sure Darlene is now resting in peace. There is no pain in Heaven. We will see her again one day. God's Blessing on you and your family. I love you my friend.
Michael Pomarico
July 17, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Raytar Family in this time of need. I haven't seen Darlene in years, but she was a good person, we had a lot of laughs.
May she rest in peace.
Naomi Amezquita
July 17, 2017
My deepest, sincerest condolences to the entire family. I knew Darlene from Bassick, People's Bank, and from St. Ann's Church. Whenever I'd see her she would always say Hi with a great big friendly smile. God needed her so he called her home. May God's love and comfort embrace her entire family and friends. Now we have a beautiful angel to watch over us all.
Lisa WInkel
July 17, 2017
Thoughts and prayers to the Raytar family.
Joyce Lake
July 16, 2017
Sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Darlene from a fellow CERT member.
Harold & Herb Anderson
July 16, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to the Raytar family and friends in the passing of Darlene. She has touched the hearts of many and will be missed. We cherish our fond memories of family gatherings at Christmas time during the earlier years of our life. The last time we saw each other was at our brother in law's funeral in 2015. It was good to reflect together, on the happy and even the more challenging times. Darlene, we'll always remember your infectious smile, and devotion you had for your God and church. Your legacy in life has always been your gift of love and kindness that you provided in the lives of all those you have personally touched.
July 16, 2017
My dear friend, you are finally free and happy in Heaven smiling down at all your loved ones. I will miss you and never have such a loyal and loving friend I had in you. I hope Heaven is how I told you it would be and when my time comes I will look forward to seeing you again. I love you Darlene. My thoughts, prayers and love to the Raytar family.
KAREN MENDENHALL
July 16, 2017
Family and Friends of Darlene, my Deepest Sympathy goes out to you at this time and may she live on in all your Wonderful Memories you all share. God Bless You All. Karen(MICU)
Leah Boland
July 16, 2017
Patty I am so sorry to hear of Darlene's
Passing we had a lot of good times at People's
Melissa Kizildag
July 16, 2017
Darlene we watched you suffer long enough, god has gained another angel ❤ you never deserved the pain you went through. May you forever Rest In Peace and the Raytar family be blessed. Monday July 10th was when I last got to see you and look into your eyes. Thank you for all the sweet memories you left me with. Rest in paradise Darlene we all love you.
Susan Madden
July 15, 2017
I will always keep my dear cousin Darlene close to my heart. I love and will miss you. We still have a chance to be the "Golden Girls" in heaven, God willing. You were more of a sister to me than a cousin. Rest in peace my dear sweet Dar.
Doreen Van Horn
July 15, 2017
I can't believe my childhood friend is gone! So many great memories of her back in St. Ann's and Black Rock School! Will love and miss you greatly Darlene! Rest In Peace dear girl!
In Deepest Sympathy,
Doreen (Scharf) Van Horn
Dianne March
July 15, 2017
Rest In Peace, Darlene. I will remember most, your smile. Condolences to Darlene's family and friends.
Brenda Burns
July 15, 2017
My dear friend Dar, my heart is filled with grief to lose such a special and wonderful friend. I am in utter despair and disbelief, I cannot believe you are gone. I wish I could have seen you one last time. We had many great times together & I will never forget you & all the fun times we had. Our friendship was one of a kind & though there were miles between us, our friendship lasted a lifetime. You will always be in my heart. Love Always..
Terry Chaffee,Tetreault
July 15, 2017
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Pattie Carmolingo
July 15, 2017
I will truly miss my dear friend our friendship was loyal and family. Her life will never be forgotten she was my best buddy for many decades. Heartfelt sympathies to all the Raytar family and all her friends and pets. Rest in eternal peace Dar
JoAnn Manzo
July 15, 2017
R.I.P My Dear Friend..........I have many great memories.......
Sandy Bradtmuller
July 15, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Raytar family. I worked with her at People's for many years. She was a sweet, fun thoughtful friend and coworker.. She will be missed by many.. <3
The Staff of Lesko-Polke Funeral Home
July 16, 2017
Offering our sympathies at this time.
Vicki, Larry Gill/Partch
July 15, 2017
We lived at The Raytars house for 42 years until 2 years ago.Darlene was a great lady and she will be missed. Love and Prayers to all.Patty, Carl,,Gary and Tommy you were all like family.
Darlene Puccilli-Voight
July 15, 2017
Rip Darlene,
Darlene Puccilli-Voight
July 15, 2017
To the family, I'm so sorry to hear about Darlene, She was a childhood Friend, she was such a sweet person, I have alot of fond memories of us hanging out together back in our younger years, may the family have peace and comfort knowing she is with our lord, RIP Darlene,
Sue Roos
July 15, 2017
So sorry to hear of this. Darlene had a warm friendly smile for everyone she met. Truly a loss for this earth.
Richard Link
July 15, 2017
Darlene and Patty lived next door to me in the 60's. Darlene was a wonderful and thoughtful person and will be missed by all.
Joseph Boccamazzo
July 15, 2017
To the Raytar family I'm so sorry for your loss Darlene was such a nice person she was friendly with everyone she also passed out communion to my mom when she was not able to go to church growing up on Princeton street we all were like family
Our lord must of needed another angel in heaven
Rip my friend
Rip Darlene
DEBBIE FRANCIS
July 14, 2017
To a sweet person who always had such a great personality. Terry chaffee, lorraine annzelotti, kammy Barton, we all had alot of laughs in the Library and the Librarian always telling to quiet down.Rest in peace. Love, Debbie Francis
Joe Silhavy
July 14, 2017
I will miss my cousin - she was a so good to my family whenever we were in CT. She will always hold a very special place in my Family's heart. We love you Darlene. Thanks for being such a warm and caring person.
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