Raymond Mather, age 96, of Bozrah, Connecticut, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on September 18, 2026. He was born on March 27, 1930, in Stafford, Connecticut, to Walter and Anna (Weigold) Mather. Ray grew up and was educated in Willington, Connecticut, and graduated from Windham High School in 1948. Ray married the love of his life, Elaine Felix, on April 22, 1950, and together they celebrated a milestone of 70 years of marriage. They resided and raised their family in Willington for 32 years before retiring and relocating to Old Saybrook, and then to Montville, Connecticut. Ray worked as a District Manager for the CT Department of Transportation for 35 years, where he was known for his diligence and leadership skills. In retirement, Ray and Elaine spent winters in Marathon, Florida, resulting in lifelong friendships with fellow travelers from around the country.

Beyond his career, Ray was a man of many passions. He loved camping with his family in Rhode Island, vacations in Cape Cod, fishing, gardening, traveling, following his beloved UConn Huskies and Mohegan Sun, and attending the countless games, concerts, plays, etc of his cherished grandchildren. Ray was a lifetime member of the Masons Uriel Lodge in Merrow, Connecticut. He was happiest when surrounded by family and those he loved. Dad had a way of making friends with everyone with his approachable and inquisitive manner and his down-home humor. He and Elaine provided a warm, nurturing environment for their family filled with traditions and cherished memories.

Ray is survived by his children, Wayne of Lebanon, Sharon Chute of Bozrah, Raelene Pilon (Mike) of Bristol, Scott (Judy) of Newbury, New Hampshire, Jeffrey of West Hartford, Todd (Magda) of Sugarloaf Key, Florida, and son-in-law David Mindek of Mansfield. He also leaves behind 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Anna (Weigold) Mather, his beloved wife, Elaine, daughter, Jill Mindek, and siblings, Ted, Walter Jr., Alice, and Dorothy.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 29, from 11:00-1:00 at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic, Connecticut, followed by a graveside funeral service at Willington Hill Cemetery, 171 Tolland Turnpike, Willington, Ct at 1:30, and a reception at St. Philip’s Church at 64 Pompey Hollow Rd., Ashford, CT.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Waterford Country School (www.waterfordcountryschool.org) and/or the American Cancer Society.