Raymond John Tesla

Raymond John Tesla, 80, of Colchester and formerly of Marlborough, passed away on April 22, 2019 at Hartford Hospital after a sudden illness.  He leaves to morn his loss his beloved wife of 29 years, Nancy Frangiamore Tesla; children and their spouses, Bonnie and her husband Patrick Talbott of Springtown, TX, Bradley and his wife Julie Tesla of Lincoln, NE, Karen and her husband Shawn Fortin of Enfield, CT; grandchildren, Ambyr Privett, Austin Talbott, Savannah Tesla, Zachary and Alexandra Smith; a great granddaughter, Makani Privett and numerous extended family members and friends.  Raymond was born on March 15, 1939 in Watervliet, NY, he was a son of the late Walter and Caroline Tesla.  Ray was a proud veteran and ardent patriot, having served in both the US Airforce and The US Army. While in the US Army, he was awarded two purple hearts, engaging the enemy during the Vietnam War as a Lt. Colonel in the Green Beret service.  He later served the Army as a Recruiter and also was a member of the American Legion, Post 95 Hebron.  Ray was a gun and marksman enthusiast.  He was a member of the Bozrah Rod and Gun Club.  He also enjoyed the outdoors, especially during fishing season or in his garden or watching and feeding the birds in his own back yard.  Ray and his wife Nancy were communicants of St. Andrew Church in Colchester.  He will be remembered and admired by his loved ones for the way he approached life,  head on to every challenge or project, persisting until the job was completed to perfection.  He was a devoted and loving family man who will be dearly missed but always remembered with love.  Calling hours will be held on Saturday, April 27th from 10 – 12  at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester.  A memorial service will follow at the funeral home at 12 pm with full military honors. Burial will be private at a later date.  For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com    

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