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Raymond V. Collins Jr
1942 - 2017
Raymond V. Collins Jr
1942 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1942
DIED
2017
Raymond Collins Obituary
Born on January 19, 1942 to the late Raymond Sr. and Mildred (Holm), Ray was raised in West
Haven, graduating from West Haven High School. He was predeceased by his brother Brian.
A veteran of the US Coast Guard, Ray enjoyed a lifetime love of the water, boating and Block
Island. Ray's other passion was community service, having retired from the CT General
Assembly after proudly serving for 20 years, the residents of West Haven, Milford and Orange
as State Representative to the 117th district, and currently serving as the chairman of the Old
Saybrook harbor management commission.
Ray leaves his three children, Ray III (Mara), Sean (Kate Szturma) and Meghan Collins: his four grandchildren Raymond IV, Keagan, Sean Henry and Liam as well as his loving soul mate, and first mate Judy Ganswindt. Ray also leaves his extended children Karla (Frederik) Carnemark, Erika (Steve) Mills as well as several extended grandchildren, Jackson, Henrik, Reagan, Reese, Marina, Raquel and Annabel.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday September 9th at 10:00 am at St John's Church 161 Main St. Old Saybrook, CT. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray's name to Lawrence & Memorial Hospital c/o Office of Development 355 Montauk Ave. New London, CT 06320 or Old Saybrook Volunteer Ambulance Assoc. P.O. Box 437 Old Saybrook, CT 06475.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Stephen Collins
September 12, 2017
My condolences.
Cousin, Stephen J. Collins
Al Hansen
September 10, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Ray, Sean and the entire Collins Family. Your dad will always be there.
Russell Sperry
September 9, 2017
Ray and I were Freshman& good friends at Notre Dame and were fraternity brothers at West Haven H.S. My prayers are with the Family
Anita Schepker
September 9, 2017
We will miss Ray deeply-- he was an outstanding legislator, and we need more of the Ray Collins- type these days.
I keep seeing that grin and smile and tanned face that loved the ocean and sailing. What a guy.
My condolences to all.
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Pete Smith
September 9, 2017
Ray, Sean and Meghan, your dad was a great guy, he was a good friend to so many of us, I can still see his smile and hear his laugh. I was lucky to know him, serve with him and call him a friend. Thank you for sharing him with all of us!
Kevin Ryan
September 8, 2017
Ray, Sean and Meghan,
Your dad will be missed. He was a great guy and friend. I am sorry that I am away at a conference and will not be able to attend the funeral to offer my condolences in person. Take care of yourselves,
Bernie Sullivan
September 7, 2017
Ray was one of the good guys back in the day when we worked and socialized across the aisle.I enjoyed working with Ray and remember the comraderie we all shared.May he Rest In Peace.
Edward Lawson
September 7, 2017
While I have been gone from West Haven for over 45 years, I remember Ray quite well. We were fraternity Brothers in Alpha Iota Epsilon, and good friends.
I am especially proud of his public service, and civic involvement. He lift the world a better place than he found it.
Sayonara, good friend and Brother
Mary Finnegan
September 7, 2017
I was so sorry to read of Ray's passing. Through my work at the Legislature I knew him in many capacities. He thoroughly enjoyed his life and family. I will always remember his concern for the environment and protecting Connecticut's waters. He had a great sense of humor, an abiding sense of fair play and the best Irish tan I ever saw.
Lisa Venora
September 7, 2017
With our deepest sympathy Ray was a great man, we will miss him dearly!
Love Lisa, Jon, & Jonny
JUST US!
September 7, 2017
I was saddened when I heard about Ray's passing. I worked with him back in 1972 at Litton Medical and Cenco Medical( Hamden, Ct. ) where Ray was a salesman for some area hospitals. He was so well liked and such a nice guy. We had many good times with our close knit group - RIP "RC"!
With my deepest sympathy to Ray's family, Carol D'Alessio
Rosa Richardson
September 7, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Collins Family. May you find comfort and peace during this most difficult time.
Gian-Carl Casa
September 7, 2017
Much sympathy for your loss of a good guy and a good legislator. I especially remember how his concern for Long Island Sound was reflected in the good work he did on the Environment Committee -- the Sound and CT are better for his contributions.
The Bianchi Family
September 7, 2017
Our Deepest Condolences And Most Sincere Sympathies To Meagan And The Entire Collins Family.So Sorry For Your Loss.
September 7, 2017
Meghan, Sean, and Ray; May he always have fair winds and calm seas....With sympathy George and Lynne O'Neil
Lisa Wolfe
September 7, 2017
Dear Judy and everyone who loved Ray, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I'm thankful I had the opportunity to witness Ray's zest for life firsthand. It was always an absolute pleasure to be in your company. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
With love, Lisa
Curt Andrews
September 7, 2017
Ray took me under his wing when I joined the Legislature in 1991. It was a crazy year, but we spent many hours together working on various budgets and Public Safety issues. He had an infectious smile, wit and laugh. He loved his constituents and his family. May God bring comfort to his family. Ray was one of a kind.
Mark Davis
September 7, 2017
Sincerest condolences to your entire family. I always appreciated Ray's input and help. He was always a pleasure to be around.
Matthew Schlager
September 7, 2017
So sorry to read this. Ray was a wonderful man. He was a legislator that cared about his constituents and did his homework.
Rose Ann Scamardella
September 6, 2017
Ray, Sean, Meghan ..... so very sorry for your loss. No matter how old we are, or how fortunate to have had our parent around for a long time... it is still so hard to say so long. It's obvious he loved you all and that you have many fun memories. He is always with you.... loving and watching over you. Cherish those memories - they keep your Dad alive in your heart.
Sara and Nick Mahmood
September 6, 2017
So sorry for your loss Meghan and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult timeWith Deepest Sympathy Love, Nick and Sara Mahmood
Sara and Nick Mahmood
September 6, 2017
So sorry for your loss Meghan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult timeWith Deepest Sympathy Love, Nick and Sara Mahmood
Doreen Gallagher
September 6, 2017
Ray, Sean, Meghan and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will be away this weekend and unable to give my condolences to you in person. Enjoy your memories and continue to share them.
Love,
Scott Morris
September 6, 2017
Dear Sean and Family,
Very sorry to hear the sad news about your Dad and Grand Dad. He served his constituents and the State of Connecticut very well. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. -------Scott Morris (formerly of CCM)
Diana Wilson
September 6, 2017
Dear Ray and family,My heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time!! May your Dad's memories give you peace and comfort!! ❤❤Diana Wilson XOX
Bob Godfrey
September 6, 2017
Ray never missed an opportunity to laugh. It might have included a joke, an observation of the irony of life, or something that brought warmth and compassion into an otherwise drab day. He was a lighthouse, solid, dependable, and helpful. There neither was nor is anyone like him. Safe harbor, my friend!
Mary Phil Guinan
September 6, 2017
This is such sad news. Ray's quick wit, warm heart and keen insights made him a standout at the Capitol from the start. He will be missed. All my best to Sean, Judy and all of his loved ones.
Mary Phil
Joe Markley
September 6, 2017
Ray was an excellent legislator, a fine lobbyist, and one of the most warm-hearted and genuine people I knew at the Capitol. It was a great pleasure to work with him and to relax with him; seeing Ray watching us in the gallery of the Senate always lifted my heart. I will miss him, and those dear to him have my sincere sympathy.
Kathy Tallarita
September 6, 2017
Ray had a large presence both in the Chamber and while lobbying, a kind heart and an infectious smile. My deepest sympathies.
Bill Ethier
September 6, 2017
As a legislator and a lobbyist, we could always count on Ray's reason and common sense. But what I will remember most about Ray is his easy smile and quick laugh. My thoughts and sympathies to all his family and friends.
Jim Finley
September 6, 2017
Sorry for your troubles. Ray was an honest, personable and loyal legislator and lobbyist. I was proud to call him a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Lisa Fecke
September 6, 2017
Ray, you always had things in perspective and were a sailor to boot, there's no better combination. May the wind carry you to a better place. Condolences to all the family. Lisa Fecke
Marian Krivda
September 6, 2017
The Legislature has never been the same without Ray as a member -- the ultimate Whip, the best freshman mentor... sending my love and sympathy to those closest to him and his family.
Marian Krivda
September 6, 2017
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Ray was a good and loyal friend.
Rich and Karen Arnold
Susan Keane
September 6, 2017
The legislative community has lost a dear friend. I will forever remember Ray's beautiful (and sometimes mischievous) smile. I feel blessed to have shared some wonderful conversations with Ray, filled with great insight and much laughter. My deepest sympathies to Ray's family, whom he loved so very much.
Philip Dukes
September 6, 2017
Of my 21 years working in and around the General Assembly, Ray was a constant. He was a mentor, a leader and a good friend. Through endless late night sessions and contentious legislative battles Ray was a keen tactician, a fighter for his constituents and his caucus and a source endless laughs. My prayers to your family and my regrets that I cannot make it to CT to pay my respects to a man for whom my respect is boundless and my admiration infinite.
Susan Halpin
September 6, 2017
So very, very sorry for your loss. Ray was larger than life in so many ways. I hope all your fond memories will give you comfort in the days ahead... Our thoughts are with you....
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1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
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