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Raymond James Devlin, Jr., adoring husband, father, grandfather, and friend, set sail for gentler waters on Tuesday, March 8, 2016. He was 78 years old. A New Year’s baby born in New Haven, Ray welcomed each year, and each day, with equal amounts of cheer and good humor.

One of Ray’s great loves was the water, a passion that began in his youth, when he was often chided by his devoted mother after she caught him with muddy boots and wet clothes sneaking home from his latest fishing adventure. After attending Hopkins Grammar School, he went on to Yale where he rowed on the crew team. His Yale oar remained a treasured possession throughout his life.

Following graduation in 1959, Ray went to the University of Connecticut Law School, and became an Airman in the Connecticut Air National Guard. The law became another of Ray’s great loves, while jumping out of airplanes did not. He joked that he didn’t really jump, so much as he was caught in the scrum rushing out the door.

His early legal career began in Hartford at the firm of Bailey and Wechsler. It was there that John M. Bailey would become a mentor. Ray followed his mentor’s role, becoming active in Democratic politics. He would serve as the Connecticut Finance Chairman for the Carter Mondale Campaign, and would continue to actively support Democratic candidates on both the national and local level. To celebrate his seventieth birthday, Ray went to campaign for Christopher Dodd in the Iowa Caucuses, going door to door in the frigid temperatures. He relished being the grey haired man among the young volunteers, regaling them with stories of campaigns past.

Ray’s commitment to public service continued throughout his life. He became a Trustee of the Wadsworth Athenaeum, a Member of the Board of Directors of St. Francis Hospital, Chairman of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, and President of the Litchfield Land Trust.

Ray lived a life of fullness, and had an unparalleled capacity to be a true friend. He loved a good joke, and seemed to have a limitless supply of really bad ones to tell. This trait he passed on to his grandchildren, who would call him with a pun just to hear him laugh and say with a smile “Oh, that is terrible.”

Ray is survived by his wife, Fran, his four children, and his seven grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Francis Foundation, 95 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT 06105, http://www.saintfrancisdonor.com/Giving/ and e-condolence may be made through www.rowefuneralhome.net.

A private service will be held for the family.

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