Raymond Rose

Raymond Rose, 86, passed with dignity and strength on Sunday, May 7, 2017. He was born August 2, 1930 in Riga, Latvia, son of Wilhelm and Anna (Pelecis) Rose, to a family of eventually seven. He learned of love and loss early, losing his twin brother at age 10.  In 1945, Raymond and his family fled Latvia to Berchtesgaden, Germany to escape Communism, eventually arriving to the United States in 1949. The family found sponsorship and work in Deerfield, Kansas, where Raymond supported his parents and siblings. It was then that Raymond realized one of his life’s callings - supporting the family and helping those in need. In 1950, Raymond arrived in Willimantic, where he faithfully spent the next six and a half decades.  Even as Willimantic went through cultural and socio-economic changes, Raymond welcomed the Hispanic community as his “fellow immigrants". Raymond served in the U.S. Army, attended UConn, and became a builder, because he loved to be outdoors. He worked side by side with his employees, never boasting superiority. When he married and had a family of his own, he continued to be an excellent provider, always sacrificing for the good of others. It was his life’s passion to provide abundantly for the family.  Raymond worked as a carpenter at Electric Boat in Groton from 1980-1995. Upon retiring, he took several trips to his beloved Latvia, then took care of his wife, Zigrida, until she required 24 hour nursing care. Raymond was an avid music lover, polyglot and self-educator. He could always be found with a book, newspaper or crossword, and could speak intelligently on any topic. Raymond leaves his wife, Zigrida, of Willimantic; son, Roland Rose (Barbara Rose) of Pennsylvania; daughter, Benita Rose (Tony Gibbs) of Avon, and daughter Nora Ronnau (Doug Ronnau) of Massachusetts; sisters, Astrida Olds of Bloomfield, Isolde LeBrie of Ohio, and dearest granddaughters, Cara Mittler, Molly Mittler, and Victoria Gibbs. He also held a special spot in his heart for his step grandchildren, Andrew and Alexia Ronnau. Raymond leaves many nieces and nephews including a very special niece, Lisa Heath, who provided treasured moments in his last days. He was predeceased by twin brother, Normunds; son, Erwin; brothers, Leonid and Sigurd.
The family is thankful to the staff at Vanderman Place for their care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brain Injury Association of America or National Eating Disorders Association.  A tribute will be held to honor Raymond at 4:30pm on June 24, 2017 at the Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley International Airport. RSVP would be appreciated at nronnau@outlook.com.  In July Raymond’s ashes will be reunited with his brothers in Latvia.  

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