Obituary of Raymond Jennings

Raymond Jennings, 81, formerly of Chester, passed away March 1, 2013, at Woodstock Terrace Assisted Living in Woodstock, VT after a long battle with Alzheimer's Dementia. Ray was born August 22, 1931 in Bridgeport, CT to William and Edith (Rich) Jennings. He attended grade school in Killingworth, CT and Hand High School in Madison, CT. Ray joined the Navy Reserves in 1949. He served 30 years and became Chief Boatswain's Mate, receiving a commendation from former President Bush Sr. for his years of outstanding service to his country. Following his time in the Navy he worked for L.C. Doane Company for nearly 40 years as a general manager and production manager. In June 1953 he married Helen Willard of Clinton, CT and had 2 daughters, Deborah and Susan. In 1971 Raymond Married Evelyn Priest Schweitzer and had daughter Sharon. Ray and Evelyn resided in Chester CT and also owned a camp in Palermo, Maine where they spent much of their vacation time. In 2010 Ray moved to S. Royalton, VT to live with his daughter Susan and her family. Ray was a lifelong outdoorsman. His passion was fishing, both locally and yearly wilderness trips with his wife, Evelyn. He was a proud member of the NRA and an avid hunter, which he did mostly in Maine. In 2010 Ray was picked for the Maine Moose Hunt Lottery after 27 years of applying. At the age of 79, Ray, his son-in-law Roger and granddaughter Christina went into the far north of Maine and he bagged a 50 inch 800lb bull moose. His hunt was filmed and is part of Big Woods Bucks hunting videos. Ray was a long time member of SX Sportsman's Association where he took his children and grandchildren fishing. He was also an animal lover and had two faithful canines, Marshall and Ebony. Ray had an avid love of flying and held a commercial pilots license. He would frequently fly his family to Block Island for breakfast or to Texas on vacation. Raymond is survived by daughters Deborah Mason-Bilancini of Seneca Falls, NY; Susan Blake and husband Roger Blake of S.Royalton, VT; Sharon Nadeau of New Vineyard, ME. Granddaughters Cindy Blake-Cusson and husband Rick Cusson, Christina Blake, Jennifer Mason, Michelle Mason, Emily Nadeau, and Katey Nadeau. He is also survived by his brother Robert Jennings of Mt. Vernon, TX and nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife Evelyn who died on December 29, 1999, and his good friend Dick Carlson. Visitation will be held Friday, March 15th from 6-8pm at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street Centerbrook. A Funeral Service for Raymond will take place Saturday, March 16th at 1pm, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Fountain Hill Cemetery in Deep River. To share a memory of Raymond or for more information or to leave a condolence for his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.