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Raymond Chervenak Obituary
Deacon Raymond John Chervenak, age 79, of Fairfield, beloved husband of the late Beth (Lynch) Chervenak, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025, at Bridgeport Hospital. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Christopher Michael and Dr. Lisa Marie Chervenak, PhD, and his sister, Patricia. Ray was born in Bridgeport on July 22, 1945, and was the son of the late John and Helen (Hajtol) Chervenak. Raised and educated in Black Rock and Fairfield, he attended St. Anne's Grammar School, Fairfield Prep, and Fairfield University.
During the Vietnam era, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves, serving aboard amphibian fleet ships. He was a proud veteran and member of Black Rock's Port 5 National Association of Naval Veteran's Organization.
Ray was an overachiever in the realm of Knighthood. He was the founding member, past Grand Knight, and 4th Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 11077. He was also Vice President of the now dissolved Coulter & McKenzie Machine Company in Bridgeport and retired as a Chaplain from St. Vincent's Special Needs Services in Stratford.
Deacon Ray was ordained to the Roman Catholic Diaconate at the Cathedral of St. Augustine, Bridgeport, by Bishop William E. Lori on June 22, 2002. He was assigned to his home parish, Our Lady of Assumption, Fairfield, where he serves as Deacon for the past twenty-two years. Ray cherished his duties as Deacon with dedication and faithful commitment. He was a man of deep faith and lived his life in service to God, offering spiritual guidance and support to many.
Visitation will take place DIRECTLY at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 545 Strathfield Road, Fairfield, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Burial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ray's memory to St. Vincent's Special Needs, 975 Oronoque Lane, Stratford, CT 06614.
Ray's family would like to thank the clergy, their family, and friends for their outpouring of support and prayers.
Arrangements in care of the Dennis & D'Arcy – Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home of Stratford.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Chervenak
Sponsored by Dennis & D'Arcy Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Homes - Stratford Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home.
Cheryl Kohler
February 14, 2025
Dear Lisa and family! I am just seeing this! Sending my condolences to you in this time of need! I'm sure Deacon Ray is with Beth and together their spirits will live on. We have fond memories of your Mom and Dad. May you feel their energy with you daily as you move forward. Hugs
Cheryl and Ginia Kohler
Daniel Halmeck
February 10, 2025
New Deacon Ray, In my connections w/Assumption Parish, while I was a Knight w/ the Holy Family Knights of Columbus in Fairfield. Always a Gentleman and kind person.
Kate Daly Rietberg
February 7, 2025
Patti
I´m so sorry to hear of Ray´s passing. He was so kind to do my sister Deb´s burial. I enjoyed connecting with him online.
To Rays wife and children, such a wonderful man was Ray. God bless
Barbara Whelan
February 7, 2025
Christopher and Lisa, I worked with your dad at Coulter McKenzie. He always told jokes and had the office laughing with his remarkable sense of humor. We remained friends throughout all the years and he married my daughter and son-in-law and more recently did my mother's funeral. He was always ready to help with whatever you needed and will be missed very much. My deepest condolences, Barbara Whelan
Ann Pomponio
February 7, 2025
Lisa, Chris, and Pat, Your dad was so "special". It would take hours, maybe days, to describe the depth of the meaning of the word "special". He was a provider, a husband, father, caregiver, friend, Deacon, counselor, spiritual leader, and parishioner In all those roles, he demonstrated living the gospel. What an achievement and an example to those suffering his loss! May you find love and comfort in all that he was.
Larry Carroll
February 6, 2025
He wil be missed and was a good friend
Marie DeFrancis
February 5, 2025
Chris & Family, so very sorry for the loss of your father. God bless you at this most difficult time.
Bob Amaro
February 5, 2025
Here's to my best, Best Man a guy could ever have. I was blest to be his best man also. We grew up together in Fairfield, and with our friends, we were called "The Knapps Highway Gang". I will miss our lunches and phone calls. May you rest with our Lord in peace my friend.
A Fellow US Navy Sailor
February 5, 2025
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmate. Your watch is over, rest in peace.
Betty O´Connnell
February 4, 2025
Chris, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a very special and spiritual man. He was so kind to all of the residents at Cambridge when he would come on Ash Wednesday every year so that the residents could receive Ashes. May he Rest in Peace with your Mother.
Betty O´Connell
Andrei Colimitra
February 4, 2025
i am saddened to read about Deacon Ray passing. I have known Deacon Ray for almost 40 years, he was my neighbor and my business partner for a while before he was ordained to serve God.
i am indebted to him for his patience teaching me the computer when the computer was little known, it made my future business life very much easier because of that knowledge. Thank you, Deacon Ray. Chris and Lisa, your father was a very special human being and one of a kind. He was so proud of both of you.
My wife Caterina and I are so sorry for Deacon Ray passing and please accept our condolences. RIP Deacon
Jo-Ann Olsen
February 4, 2025
Ray was a very special person. He loved his family and was so proud of his children. As a member of Assumption Parish we interacted many times, everything from serving at the same mass to which "Little Rascals " episode we liked! Thank you Ray.
Diane Krushinski
February 4, 2025
A wonderful St Patrick´s Day dinner at church with friends.
Reunited in eternal life.
Love, Tony & Spunky
Diane Krushinski
February 4, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful man and such a special friend to us.
I´m really missing those daily phone calls, I keep waiting for my phone to ring but I know you are at peace and back home with Beth, the love of your life.
Please watch over Lisa, Chris, your sister Patty and us too.
We will miss you and love you forever.
Love, Spunky (Diane) & Tony
Elaine Davis
February 3, 2025
Dear Lisa, Chris, and Patty:
Thank you for sharing the gift of your Dad and Brother with our family for over 30 years. He was such a profound and positive influence on my parents, Tom and I, children and granddaughters. I will especially miss all of our chats before and after 12:00 pm Mass. Heaven has another Angel to pray with us.
With Love, Elaine Davis
Gail Ruge
February 3, 2025
I will miss both you and Beth and will think of you often. You are with Beth and God, you couldn't be in better hands. Stay out of trouble!
Elaine G Bissenden
February 3, 2025
Bill and I always looked forward to spending time with Ray at the various Diaconate events. He was truly a wonderful human being. He is now with Beth in heaven.
Deedee Sicona
February 3, 2025
Chris and family, so sorry for your loss.
Victor Romzno
February 3, 2025
To Raymond´s family. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. We became friends in the Autumn of 1950 as classmates in Sr Geraldine´s kindergarten, throughout St. Anne´s and later at Prep. We rode the bus together. I knew his parents and he, mine. Our lives diverged, but thanks to his bringing the St. Anne´s folks together again in Black Rock , we reconnected and maintained contact. We shared much of life. I will remember him as a friend, dedicated to his God, his church, his family and his friends. We are all a little poorer today. I will miss Raymond, deeply.
My thoughts to you all.
Victor Romano
Venice Fl
Cecilia Fung
February 3, 2025
I´m very sorry for your loss. He was my generous, empathetic and loving grief counselor who led me out of darkness after my husband passed. I´m indebted to him. He will be watching over all of us with his big smile and heart.
Diane Krushinski
February 3, 2025
What a wonderful retirement celebration for Ann & Ray
Monsignor Blase Gintoli
February 3, 2025
During my 18 years as pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption parish I was blessed to have Deacon Ray as my deacon and my friend. He loved the Lord and he loved serving God´s people. They threw away the mold when they made Ray Chervenak.
I pray that there´s a special place in heaven for such a dedicated clergymen.
I shall offer masses for the repose of his soul... and for his wonderful family during this time of their loss.
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