Raymond “Ray” Gagliardone, 72, of Kensington, husband of Mary Ann (DeNuzze) Cianci Gagliardone, passed away peacefully Thursday (August 20, 2009) with his family at his side.  Born in Manchester, lived in Glastonbury 40 years, moving to Kensington in 1997.  A graduate of Manchester High School, and Ward Technical School in Hartford, he served with the Connecticut National Guard and worked at IBM in Hartford for 35 years, retiring as a Marketing Manager in 1996.  He was a member of St. Paul’s Church in Kensington; New Britain Elk’s Lodge 957 and the Timberlin Seniors.  Ray was an avid New York Yankees fan, enjoyed golf and watching UConn Huskies Basketball.

            Besides his wife Mary Ann, he leaves a son, Steve Gagliardone and his wife Carol Harry of Sharon, VT; a daughter, Beth Vickery and her husband Mark of East Hampton; two step-daughters, Jodie Seward and her husband Wade of Bloomfield and Natalie Bombassei of Kensington; a brother, Leo Gagliardone and his wife Rita of Hopewell, VA; nine grandchildren, Jake, Sarah and Rachel Vickery, Lucia and Ty Gagliardone, Cara and Haley Seward, and J.P. and Julia Bombassei; two nieces, Debbie Gagliardone and Karen Dittore; and a nephew, Richard Gagliardone.  Ray was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret “Peggy” (Carter) Gagliardone in 1992.

            Funeral services are Saturday (Aug 29) 9 AM at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM at St. Paul’s Church, Alling Street, Kensington.  Private burial will follow in Green Cemetery, Glastonbury.  Calling hours are Friday (Aug 28) 5 to 8 PM at Carlson Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Central CT, 205 West Main Street, New Britain, CT 06051.  Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com