Raymond H. Prest

1939 - 2022

Raymond H. Prest, 83, of Ellington, beloved husband of Jean (DeCarli) Prest passed away in the comfort of his home on Oct. 14, 2022. Born July 28, 1939 in Greenfield, MA, son of the late Luman & Vivian (Jackman) Prest, he had lived in Greenfield MA and Tolland, CT prior to moving to Ellington in 1992. Raymond served in the U.S. Navy as an electrician from 1957 until 1960. Upon his honorable discharge he worked for Pratt & Whitney for 39 years first as a welder and lastly as a furnace operator until his retirement in 1999. He was a quiet and gentle man with a quick smile and a soft voice. In addition to spending time with his family he loved skiing, golf, fishing and especially running, where his competitive spirit became evident. He ran the Manchester Road Race faithfully for 39 years and was looking forward to making this year his 40th. He ran in the Nutmeg State Games for the past several years and in 2021 placed first in the 1 mile run, the 2 mile run and the 800 meter run. In 1991, he qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon. Up until the onset of his illness, he joined his running buddies, affectionately referred to as "the Amigos" at the Rail Trail three mornings every week without fail. He leaves his wife, Jean, and five children, Raymond F. Prest and his wife, Gloria, of Ashford, Brenda G. Neville and her husband, Jeffrey of Coventry, Susan Winter and her husband, Christopher, of Tolland, Kristen E. Voisine of Ellington and Kevin R. Voisine and his partner Kristen Cirkot of Enfield. Upon the passing of their father, Raymond adopted Jean's two children, Kristen and Kevin as adults, saying that now his family was complete. He also leaves five grandchildren, Jacqueline Griswold, Abigale Winter, Cassidy Winter, Jacob McGrath and Gabriella Voisine and two sisters, Patricia Gallardo and Ruth Cheverier both of Florida. Raymond was predeceased by his first wife, Edith (Fleming), and his brothers Wallace Prest and Robert Prest. A memorial service will be held at the United Congregational Church of Tolland on Oct. 28, 2022 at 1:00 pm with a reception immediately following. Burial will be private at the Ellington Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.