Raymond J. Dzat Sr.

Raymond J. Dzat Sr., 80, of Tolland, devoted husband to Carolyn (Slota) Dzat for 56 years, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014, at Rockville General Hospital.

He was born on Dec. 27, 1933, to the late Stephen Dzat and Anna (Jezewski) Stratton and grew up in Ellington. At age 17 he enlisted in the Air Force for four years and was stationed in Europe. An air compressor mechanic for 25 years by trade, he was employed by Argo Industrial for much of that time. Known for his hard work and ambition, he was also a valued "handyman" to many up until this past year. Ray's favorite pastime was fishing, especially at Misquamicut Beach, where he vacationed with his family. He was a member of the Stafford Fish and Game Club. Weekly family dinners were important to him, and his door was always open to visitors. He also appreciated classic cars, followed NASCAR and boxing, and enjoyed watching many different birds come to the feeders in his yard.

In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his daughter, Joanne Trigo and her husband, Steven, of East Hartford; his son, Raymond Dzat Jr. and his wife, Shannon, of Coventry; his grandchildren, Thomas Lintner, Keri Trigo, and Dylan and Alanna Dzat; his sisters, Dorothy Favreau of Rockville and Florence LaPointe of Stafford Springs; and his brother Ronald Dzat of California; as well as a large extended family. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Dzat.

Relatives and friends may join the family Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 Prospect St., Rockville.

A funeral procession will gather at the funeral home by 9:15 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, Rockville. Burial will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery, Rockville.

Donations may be made in his name to the Jimmy Fund.

For online condolences, visit

www.pietrasfuneralhome.com