Raymond N. Chaput, Jr.

Raymond N. “The Captain” Chaput, Jr., 81, of Windham, CT passed away on March 4, 2023 at Hartford Hospital. He was born on November 7, 1941, to the late Raymond, Sr. and Doris (McClure) Chaput. 

He grew up in Willimantic, CT and graduated from Windham Regional Technical School, Class of 1962. Raymond worked at the American Thread Company before enlisting in the US Navy in 1963 and served for four years. During his service, he traveled extensively to many ports around the world. Around town Ray was known as “The Captain” and was a friend to anyone.

Following his service to his country, he was employed in the maintenance department at the University of Connecticut for 31 years and at the time of his retirement he was supervisor of his department. In his retirement years, Ray became more involved as a member of the VFW, AmVETS, and the American Legion. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved writing poetry, even as a young boy, several of his poems were published. In Ray’s earlier years, he enjoyed collecting stamps, antique bottle digging, rock hunting, and singing karaoke with his friends.

He is survived by his brother Roland and his wife Donna, sister Linda Ryan, niece Wendy Kozlak and her husband Drew, niece Holly Jurcik and nephew Chad Chaput, Sr., several beloved great and great-great nieces and nephews, and his friend that was like a daughter, Laura Bradley. Ray was predeceased by his brother Norman (Canon).

The family would like to thank Ray’s caregivers from Community Companions and Homemakers for their kind attention to Ray’s needs for many years. The family would also like to thank the nurses and staff of Douglas Manor for their compassion and kindness in caring for Raymond.

Raymond’s family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, March 13, 2023 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. Willimantic. His Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00pm on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at St. Mary Church, 46 Valley St. Willimantic, burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham.

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