Raymond Blessing

BLESSING, RAYMOND Raymond Blessing, 76, of Cloone County Leitrim, Ireland, husband of Dolores Creegan Blessing, passed away peacefully at Cavan General Hospital in Ireland on April 14, 2014, with his loving wife by his side. Raymond was born on March 9, 1937 in Aughavas, County Leitrim, Ireland to parents Rose Ann Cooney Blessing and Michael Blessing. Raymond immigrated to the United States as a young man and for over 20 years, served as a dedicated firefighter with the New Haven Fire Department. In 1983, he received a citation of bravery for rescuing a young child from a burning building. Raymond was a long time member of the New Haven Gaelic Football & Hurling Club and served as its president in 1980. Raymond had a love for theater and was active in the New Haven Gaelic Players theater group where he performed in several plays. He was also a member of the Irish American Community Center. After retirement, Raymond returned to his beloved Ireland where he resided with his wife for the past 21 years. He is survived by his siblings Aloysius Blessing, Claire Blessing O’Connor, Patricia Blessing McTague, Terry Blessing and Angela Blessing Gray. Deceased siblings include Noel Blessing, Michael Blessing and Olive Blessing Gordon. A funeral mass was held at St. Mary’s Church, Cloone, County Leitrim, Ireland on Wednesday, April 16, 2014.