Raymond J. Varley

Raymond J. Varley, 72, of South Windsor, beloved husband of the late Donna (Roosevelt) Varley, died peacefully on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Alto in South Windsor. He was born in Manchester, CT, on November 6, 1953, son of Wesley and Marion (Bennett) Varley.
He leaves his son, Thomas A. Varley and his wife Lynn of Underhill, VT, and their children, Winston and Adelaide; his daughter, Jenna M. MacWilliam and her husband Jacob of Broad Brook, and their children, Lincoln, Hazen, and Aella. He also leaves his brother, Robert Varley and his wife Sonia of St. Augustine, FL; his brother-in-law, Gary Roosevelt and his wife Kathey of Myrtle Beach, SC; and his mother-in-law, Carol Birks of Little River, SC.
Ray grew up in Somers, and spent many warmer days at the family cottage on Crystal Lake in Ellington, and in Old Saybrook. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard, and was stationed in New London and later Governor's Island, making lifelong friends.
A warm and friendly soul with a gregarious nature, he had a reputation as a wonderful storyteller. His family never tired of hearing the classic ones retold, but he would often surprise us with a never-before-heard gem.
Ray always loved kids, and took to being a father and "Papa" naturally. He showered his children and grandchildren with so much love and affection, always quoting their funny little sayings.
He and Donna knew their way around a kitchen together, cooking most dinners together. The holidays were his favorite meals. Really, Ray loved to eat! Any seafood was considered a treat not to be passed up.
An avid follower of sports, Ray was a diehard fan of the Yankees, UConn Huskies, and NY Giants. He loved music, especially rock and the blues, and could often be heard belting out blues classics, much to Donna's chagrin. He didn't embarrass easily, though, never minding being the center of attention. Whether it was a celebration, the holidays, summertime, or a game on TV, any excuse to get family and friends together was Ray's favorite pastime.
With his wife of nearly 50 years, he and Donna loved to travel to anywhere with warm weather and pristine beaches. Ray felt at home anywhere there was family, whether it was Connecticut, Vermont, or Florida. With a work-to-live attitude, they were seemingly always planning their next big trip or party.
When it was apparent they could no longer live independently, Ray and Donna made the difficult decision to move into assisted living. It was there they stayed firmly at each other's side until Donna's passing last September. A role model for many as the perfect husband, father, and friend Ray's legacy will be felt for a very long time.
His family will receive friends for calling hours on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 5-7pm at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., South Windsor. Burial will be private at the request of his family. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. For online condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com