Livonia: Raymond J. Connell, 85 years, passed away peacefully at the Conesus Lake Nursing Facility on June 8, 2009. He was born on December 31, 1923 the son of Raymond J. and Martha Yahn Connell. Ray was an educator and administrator for 32 years, most recently at the Livonia Intermediate School, which now bears his name.

Ray is survived by his wife Patricia; daughters Maureen, Marti (Chad) Henderson, Rae Anne (Alex) Strasenburgh, granddaughters Brenna and Brogan Henderson, and grandson Andrew Strasenburgh. He is also survived by his brother Jim (Anne) Connell brother-in-law Don Wolf, along with many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Ray’s sisters Bernice Wolf and Mary Jeanne Connell predeceased him.

Ray lived in Livonia most of his life. After high school he fought in World War II and battled on the beaches of Normandy. He then went to college to become a teacher. His path eventually led him back to Livonia.

Ray had many interests. He was an avid horseman. He was an outstanding gymnast at Cortland State where he did his undergraduate work. He was a coach, with wrestling being his biggest passion. Even in his later years, in failing health, he continued to find enjoyment following the Livonia Wrestling Team. He was a carpenter and entrepreneur, building homes in the area after his retirement from school, along with his wife Pat and their business, Home Sweet Homes by Connell.

In addition to being a decorated WWII veteran, Ray was a past national president of the Delta Kappa fraternity. He is a member of the Livonia Central School Athletic Hall of Fame, as well as the Livingston Conference Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Ray will be greatly missed by his family, many friends, and former colleagues.

Friends are invited to attend a celebration of Ray’s life, Sunday June 14, 2009, 2PM at the RJ Connell Intermediate School, School St., Livonia. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Raymond J. Connell Scholarship Fund, PO Box E, Livonia, NY 14487. Arrangements, Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc. Livonia-Honeoye. To send condolences please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com