Raymond B. Bechard

On Thursday, January 21, 2021, Raymond “Ray” B. Bechard of New Britain, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the Hospital of Central Connecticut at the age of 95. Ray was the son of the late Alphonse and Laura (Gagnon) Bechard and was the loving husband of Louise (Huber Franck) Bechard. Ray was born on February 7, 1925 in Fall River, Massachusetts. He served heroically in the Army Air Corps during World War II as a B-29 gunner, reaching the rank of Sergeant. He attended Mount St. Charles Academy and the University of Hartford. He worked at Connecticut Bank and Trust, Glastonbury Bank and Trust, and owned and operated the Rayco Store, and Hole in One Deli. He was a member of St. Paul Church. Throughout his life, Ray delighted his family and friends with his wit and sense of humor. He loved gathering frequently with those close to him and telling joyous stories from his long and compassionate life. He enjoyed golf, gardening and his love of reading and perpetual curiosity made him a lifelong learner. In addition to his beloved wife Louise, Ray is survived by three sons, Barry Bechard and his wife Beth of Clinton, Ray Bechard of Simsbury, Kevin Franck of Bristol; two daughters, Anne Foster and her husband Alan of Tennessee, Karen Zovich of Kensington; three adored grandchildren, Justin Foster and his wife Keri, Claudia and James Zovich; several nieces, nephews and great and great great grandchildren. Ray was pre-deceased by his brother Claude Bechard and two sisters, Del McKone and Fern Richardson, as well as his beloved Cockapoo, Cosmo. The family would like to give a special thank you to the hospice staff of C5 for their kindness and support. Socially distanced visiting hours will be held from 4 – 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 So. Main St., New Britain, CT.  A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 29 at 11:30 am at St. Paul Church, 467 Alling St., Kensington, CT and will be live streamed at https://stpaulkensington.org/live .  Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Mary Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray's name may be made to the Ryan T. Lee Foundation at www.ryantleefoundation.org .