Raymond "Ray" Stewart

1935 - 2023

Norwich - Raymond "Ray" Stewart, 87, entered eternal life Feb. 20, 2023, with his loving family by his side. Ray was born in Manchester, N.H., the son of the late Ernest and Mary Stewart. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Mass., and attended Merrimac College and San Diego College.

Ray served as an Airman, First Class Crew Chief of an RB-47E based at Forbes Air Force Base, Topeka, Kan. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1957. He met and married his loving wife, Jan, in Burlington, Kan., and the couple moved to California, where he was a San Diego Police Officer.

After being a Police Officer, he worked for General Dynamics (Convair, Atlas and Electric Boat) for 35 years, retiring in Connecticut as a Test Operating Engineer at Electric Boat. Ray was an avid volunteer for many worthy causes, but his most enjoyable was with youth sports. He received the Local Service of Youth Award in 1977 from the White Cross Council #13 Knights of Columbus. He was on the Board of Directors for 10 years with the Norwich Little League as well as being a Coach, an umpire, Major League Director and four years as President. He was a Coach and on the Board of Directors for the Midget Football League; and a Coach in the City sponsored Basketball League. Ray was appointed Athletic Director for the Diocese of Norwich and served as a representative on the Northeastern Board of Diocesan Athletic Directors for eight years and attended every New England Basketball Tournament during that period. In 1994, he was recognized for his years of service by the New England CYO Tournament Board. He served as Athletic Director for SS Peter & Paul's for five years and was President of the Norwich Church Softball League. For his outstanding community service, he received the Joseph Kapteina Award in 1995 and inducted into the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. Ray was a member of Eastern CT Board of Approved Umpires from 1976 to 2014. He also served on the Norwich Recreation Department Advisory Board and the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame Committee. He was the first Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus Council 12705, Grand Knight for White Cross Council #13 and served as District Deputy, Eastern CT District Deputy Coordinator and various other assignments. Ray also volunteered as a docent at Norwich City Hall since its inception in 2010 and was the Assistant Secretary of AARP #1004. He was also very proud of being able to donate over 11 gallons of blood for the American Red Cross.

Ray enjoyed traveling with his wife to all 50 states, 26 foreign countries, and all of the Caribbean Islands. Ray was an avid Red Sox, Chargers, Patriots and UConn Women's basketball fan. Of all of Ray's activities, his best love was his wife, of 64 years, who predeceased him, and his family – five children and spouses, 15 grandchildren and spouses, and eight great-grandchildren.

Ray is survived by his children, Kevin (Gail) of Wethersfield, Cheryl (Terry) of Plymouth, Mass., Rick (Lisa) of Norwich, Dave (Lize-Anne) of Sprague, and Chris (Jodi) of Jackson, N.J.; grandchildren, Brendan, Colin and Maura Stewart, Heather Ingeno, Megan (Becky) Boback, Mallory (Emet) Collins, Kaitlin (CJ), Zachary, Shannon, Kyle, Cameron, Dane (Kim) Stewart, Reagan, Riley and Reese Stewart; great-grandchildren, Makenna, Anthony, Max and Alina Ingeno, Landon and Lilly Penna, Ezra Collins and Lucas Stewart. Ray was predeceased by sisters, Vivian Lyons and Marjorie Hunter; and brothers, William and Donald Stewart.

Calling Hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at Woyasz and Son Funeral Service, 11 Jerome Road, Montville. A Memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at SS Peter and Paul's Church, 181 Elizabeth Street, Norwich. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (act.alz.org).