LEONE, RAYMOND J.

Raymond J. Leone (Ray), 73, of Haddam, CT, passed away on Monday, January 14 at Smilow Cancer Center, Yale New Haven Health after losing a brave fight battling cancer.

Raymond leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend of 52 years, Georgianne (Lockhart) Leone. Raymond was the son of Frank and Mary Grace (Allegra) Leone. He was born and raised in Middletown and went to Woodrow Wilson High School graduating in 1963.

Prior to his retirement in 2011 he worked as an automobile service director for M.J. Sullivan Automotive Corner for 28 years.

Ray was a “gear head” and interested in cars at an early age. He was very much a “CHEVY MAN.” With all of this interest in cars and racing it would not be so strange that he would choose a career in the automotive business.

Ray was a huge NASCAR fan and kept up with what was going on in the world of NASCAR. He has met many good friends in the racing circuit as he attended many races over the years. He could tell you the history, the teams and knew all of the racers, and the number of the car they drove. He was especially fond of a longtime friend, Ted Marsh, who owned the Whelan #31 car.

Ray joined the Middletown Elks #771 in 1970 and was a lifetime member and Past Exalted Ruler. Elkdom was a big part of his life where he spent many years involved in serving his lodge and community. As one of the “old timers” he was a mentor and friend to all. In October 2017 Ray was honored as Italian Man of the Year. He was also a big support to his wife and his many friends in the Emblem Club.

He recently reconnected with his high school friends while taking part in the planning of the 50th and 55th Woodrow Wilson Class reunion. He was a man larger than life, with a huge heart, unlimited compassion, kindness and integrity; he always gave selflessly to others. He will forever be in our hearts and missed more than words can express.

Besides his wife, Ray is survived by his sister, Jane Leone Conti (Robert) of Fort Lauderdale, FL; his motherin-law Josephine Lockhart; his brother-in-law Edward Lockhart and husband Steven Siclari, Springfield, MA. Ray was also the best and “coolest” uncle to his many nieces and nephews who were always the light of his life. Ray was predeceased by his brothers, Sebastian Leone and Frank Leone, and brother-in-law, Jeffrey Lockhart.

The family wishes to thank the staff in the ICU Smilow Cancer Hospital for their excellent care and kindness. A Funeral Liturgy will be held Tuesday, January 22nd at 11 a.m. at Saint Sebastian Church, Middletown. Friends may call Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street, Middletown. Burial will be held at Saint Sebastian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Smilow Cancer Hospital, Closer to Free, Office of Development, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508-1849. To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.