Raymond H. Lyons, Jr., 84, of Ridgefield, CT, husband of Ruth (Wardrop) Lyons, died on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at his home.
Ray was born January 14, 1930, in Hartford, CT, to Gladys (Bliss) and Raymond, Sr. He attended public schools in Pittsfield, MA and graduated from the Lenox School for Boys and the University of Hartford.
After serving his country in the Korean War, the Army veteran returned to the states and began a career in sales and marketing. While selling life insurance for the John Hancock Company, he met his future bride, and they were married in June, 1955. Ray’s future brother-in-law, the Reverend Robert Wardrop, officiated the ceremony at Trinity Episcopal Church in Hartford, CT.
Ray travelled extensively, selling appliances for Proctor-Silex. In 1965, he distinguished himself by earning a Salesman of the Year award. SCM, the parent company, took note and offered him a position selling their office equipment. In the autumn of ’67, as the foliage peaked and the Red Sox chased the pennant, he moved his wife and family of three to Wilton, CT, and a commuter was born.
Ray’s good-natured affability made him a desired partner, be it on the golf course or at the bridge table. His love of the Sunday crossword puzzle was infectious, delighting as people rallied around him on a common cause. He was thrilled to witness the resurgence of his beloved Bosox as they ended the curse of the Bambino and the phrase “wait ‘til next year” took on new meaning, based on newly grounded optimism. Also, dear to Ray, summers down the Cape, historical fiction, licorice, and, of course, his family.
Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth Klvana and her husband Tim, of Ridgefield, CT, Sarah Lyons, of Danbury, CT, and a son, Paul Lyons and wife, Gayle, of Ridgefield, CT; five grandchildren: David Klvana, of Stamford, CT, Andrew Klvana, of West Hartford, CT; Aaron Lyons, Ridgefield, CT; Benjamin Lyons and Emma Lyons, Ridgefield, CT; nephews David Wardrop, Centerville, MA, Robert Wardrop, East Granby, CT; nieces Mary Meggison, Fort Wayne, IN, Kate Wardrop, Somerville, MA. He was predeceased by his nephew Thomas Wardop, Jr. of Huntington, IN.
Memorial service will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 1 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Ridgefield with the Rev. Whitney Altopp officiating. Contributions in Ray’s memory may be made to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 351 Main Street, Ridgefield 06877. Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield is in charge of arrangements.