Ray D. Gesick

Ray D. Gesick died peacefully in his home on January 25, 2025, in Virginia Beach, VA at the age of 77 of liver cancer. Ray is survived by his wife, Eleanor; children, Thomas Gesick (Amy) of Virginia Beach, VA, Michael Gesick (Cristina) of Virginia Beach, VA, Brian Gesick (Danielle) of Virginia Beach, VA, and Catherine Ostrander (Bill) of Fairhaven, MA; grandchildren, Alexander, Andrea, Jeffrey, Isabella, Jason, Gabrielle, and Brianna; and siblings, Shirley Evans of Waterford, CT and Beverly Skeffington of East Lyme, CT, along with a plethora of nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, great nieces and great nephews. He is preceded in death by his siblings, James Gesick of Marion, SD and Phyllis Chase of Waterford, CT.
Ray was born on February 13, 1947, in Middletown, CT (raised in Old Saybrook, CT) to Andrew and Ivy Gesick. He graduated from Johnson and Wales University in 1974 with a degree in management/accounting. He married Eleanor Slate in 1973. Ray was enlisted in the United States Army for 30 years. He and his wife, Eleanor, traveled and lived in many states and in Europe with their four children during his military service. After retiring from the military, they decided to settle in Virginia Beach, VA, where he worked a civil service job for several years before his second retirement. Their sons opened a family business, and Ray helped with the company's books and administrative duties until his passing. Ray spent countless hours supporting his grandchildren and their interests. He never missed a band concert, sporting event, competition, play or musical. He even flew to Massachusetts to be there for his youngest grandchild's high school play and musical.
In his spare time, Ray enjoyed spending time with his wife and their two dogs (Ricky and Lucy). He loved playing sudoku, UCONN basketball, watching NFL football, war movies and comedies and spending time with his family.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A ceremony will be held in Arlington, VA to honor his life and military service as well as a celebration of life in Connecticut at dates to be determined.