Raymond Johnson
Raymond E. Johnson, 76, of Stratford, CT passed away peacefully on November 17, 2020 with his family by his side and in his heart and his wife holding his hand. Ray and his childhood sweetheart, Kathleen Denhup, whom he met in the 8th grade at Hall School, were married for over 56 years. Ray was the father of Jill ( Gary) Boward of Woodbridge, VA, and Brad ( Jennifer) Johnson of Raleigh, NC. He was the beloved “Papa” to Katie ( Dylan) Richards of Albuquerque, NM, Matthew Boward of McLean, VA, Meagan Johnson of East Islip, NY, and Cassidy and Brennan Johnson of Raleigh, NC. Ray leaves behind five siblings: Marilyn ( John) O’Malley, Joyce Tuliano, Ronald Johnson, Kathleen ( Gary) Gray, and Harold ( Doreen) Pember. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, their spouses and children, as well as many lifelong friends.
Ray was born in Bridgeport, CT on October 4, 1944 to the late John Wesley and Lillian Carey Johnson. He was predeceased by five siblings: John “Jack” Johnson, Kenneth Johnson, Howard Johnson, Mary Ann Graham, and Alan Johnson. Ray’s love of work began in childhood with milk and newspaper routes. He started, owned, operated and later sold ARJAY Sanitation, worked at a number of sanitation and trucking companies including Jenkins Bros, Holmes Transportation, Williamson Transportation, Red Star, and retired from ABF. Ray was the consummate Good Samaritan. If you needed something and he could help, he would unselfishly be there for you with his time, his tools or expertise. Ray was on a stock car team in his younger years and loved to work on cars, rebuilding a 1974 Datsun 240Z, a 1981 Porsche, and his still- running 1976 Mercedes Benz in which he drove the family cross- country one summer. Mostly, he was grateful that he, born of humble beginnings, had an influence on such educated, thoughtful, loving, and giving children and grandchildren.
Ray’s family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the many family, friends, neighbors, doctors and nurses who helped out during his prolonged illness.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring/ summer 2021 at a time more conducive to gathering.
In lieu of flowers, Ray requested memorial contributions be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, P. O. Box 1510, Ranson, WV 25438- 4510 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P. O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101- 9929. To send an online condolence, please visit www. pisteyfuneralhome. com.
Harry William Martucci, age 86, passed away on November 1, 2020. He was born February 8, 1934 in Bridgeport, CT to the late Henry and Marie Martucci and was a lifelong resident of the greater Bridgeport area. Mr. Martucci is survived by his first wife Betty Jane, brother Ralph Martucci, and his four children Lenore, Randal, Brenda and Wayne plus several grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Mr. Martucci married second wife Ann Sinclair on July 7, 1977 until her passing on November 27, 2019.
Mr. Martucci attended Central High School and graduated in the class of 1951 and attended the University of Bridgeport.
After schooling, Mr. Martucci joined the United States Marine Corp during the Korean conflict and while serving, he was awarded multiple combat awards including the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V, Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, a Naval Unit Citation and three bronze battle stars among his fifteen military awards. He was a Life Member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, VFW, DAV, AMVETS, the First Marine Division Assoc. and H- 3- 7 Combat Marine Assoc. He was most proud in his membership in the H- 3- 7 for which war memorial monument stands at U. S. Marine HQ in Quantico, Virginia dedicated to his unit’s high number of combat awards ( 781) including three Medals of Honor. He was a law enforcement officer for twelve years before employment with the CT Dept. of Social Services from which he retired in 1989 as District Supervisor.
Private services will take place at the convenience of the family.