Raymond John Connery

Raymond John Connery, 93, of Smithfield, formerly of Westerly and North Smithfield, passed away from COVID-19 on September 28, 2020. While his family was unable to be by his bedside, he was not alone: they surrounded him with love and prayers, words of gratitude, comfort and peace. He was served by medical and pastoral professionals throughout his illness. Raymond was the loving and dedicated husband of Joan (Bradley) Connery for 66 years. Their humor, kindness, consideration and respect for one another was an example to all who knew them. Raymond is survived by his wife, Joan; his children, Andrew Connery (Kate); Susan Connery; Jane Allard; William Connery; and David Connery (Bonnie); his grandchildren, Amelia Newburg (James); Miles Allard (Megan); Bryce Connery (Kayla); Erin Connery; Luke Allard (Tiffney); Frances Connery and Linnea Connery; and his great-grandchildren, Molly Allard, Wesley Allard, Henry Newburg and Quincy Allard. Scores of nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, fosters, and dear friends will miss his presence in their lives. Raymond was born to William and Ethel (Stevenson) Connery on June 3, 1927 in Bristol, RI, the 8th of 10 children. He attended La Salle Academy in Providence until his junior year, when his studies were interrupted by World War II. Following in his brothers’ footsteps, Ray joined the Navy, and served for 2 years before returning to La Salle to complete his education. Raymond was a member of the Rhode Island State Police Training School, Class of 1952, and served as a State Trooper for 20 years, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant. In the summer of 1953, young Trooper Connery met Joan Bradley on a Cape Cod beach and fell in love. Ray and Joan were married on June 19, 1954, at St. Paul’s Church in her hometown of Blackstone, Massachusetts. The newlyweds moved to North Smithfield and started a family. With young Andrew, Susan and baby Jane, the Connerys moved to 28 Mechanic Street, which would be the family home for 60 years. William and David completed the family. In 1988, Raymond and Joan opened their home and arms to their daughter, Jane, and grandchildren Amelia, Miles and Luke. The house was busy, lively and comfortable, with dinner on the table at 6 sharp and ice cream for dessert with Nana while Boppy washed the dishes. He taught his grandchildren what he had taught Andrew, Susan, Jane, William and David: to appreciate the earth, to take pride in their home, and to eat sun-warmed raspberries right off the bush. The Connerys moved to Westerly, Rhode Island in 1992, and Amelia, Miles and Luke had the privilege of growing up at 28 Mechanic Street with their mom. It was always open, sunny and warm, just as the Connerys intended. After his retirement from the R.I. State Police, Ray worked as the Chief Security Officer at Eastland Bank in Woonsocket. A lifelong Democrat, he served on the North Smithfield Town Council for 10 years. Ray and Joan were longtime communicants of St. John the Evangelist in Slatersville and St. Pius X in Westerly. In their bright, airy Westerly home, Raymond tended his gardens, played golf, baked stuffed mushrooms, made large batches of chowder from quahogs he dug himself, and hosted family and many friends for holidays and summer visits. Everyone was welcome. Afternoons were spent on Westerly Town Beach with Joan, in the sun, fresh air and the sea he so loved. It was a simple life, lived with purpose. Ray made friends easily, striking up a conversation with everyone he encountered. He enjoyed knowing his neighbors, and embraced young and old with his heart on his sleeve. Ray had strong opinions, appreciated a respectful debate, and sought to understand new viewpoints. He read the paper every day, watched the news, and listened closely to the people he met. He exercised daily with Joan, and impressed other gym-goers as he went through his routines. He was a Red Sox and Patriots fan, enjoying games from the living room and from the stands with Joan, William and Maddy. He enjoyed a delicious meal every time. He was proud of each of his children and grandchildren, not just for their accomplishments, but for who they became and the lives they built. He was charmed by his great-grandchildren. He was grateful for the caring presence and assistance of Jane, Susan and William and gladdened by visits from Andrew and David. Ray had a strong will and determination to live, provide, and serve. He was an honorable man who lived with integrity and dignity, steadfast in his devotion to Joan, guided and comforted by his deep faith. His family and friends are blessed by his memory, as they were by his presence and guiding light. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame, Blessed Sacrament Province: USA Office of Mission Advancement, 30 Highfield Road, Wilton, CT 06897-3802. https://www.cnd-m.org/en/usa/?page_id=629. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a Mass of Christian Burial and interment at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery were held privately.

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Raymond John Connery

September 28, 2020