Obituary: Raymond J. Friend (Porto Funeral Homes)

Raymond John Friend, 92, of Orange, CT, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, with his family by his side. Ray was born on February 11, 1934, in Myrtle Cottage in the village of Langley, Kent in England. He was a devoted husband of 58 years to his beloved wife, Ann, a loving father to his daughter, Lee, and a cherished “Poppy” to his grandson, Blake Raymond.

After completing school, Ray began a machining apprenticeship with E.A. Gardner & Sons Ltd., during which he also attended technical college for mechanical engineering. At 21, he was conscripted into the British Army, serving in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and was stationed in Germany. Following his National Service, he continued working as a machinist in Kent. In 1967, Ray moved to the United States amid high demand for skilled machinists during the Vietnam War, and he completed his training at Colt Industries’ Pratt & Whitney Machine Tool Division. He also purchased his first American car, an adored 1966 Ford Mustang. He met and married Ann the following year in New Haven, CT. In 1978, Ray achieved a long held goal by opening his own precision machining business, RAACO Tool Company, in Milford, CT, which he operated for 25 years until his retirement. While always proud of his English heritage, Ray also took great pride in becoming a U.S. citizen in 1990 nd often felt he had fulfilled the American dream.

Ray had a gentle spirit and a steady presence. Though quiet, he had a twinkle in his eye that revealed his playful side. True to his name, he was an easy friend to many—humans and animals alike— who were drawn to his calmness, kindness, and good nature. He enjoyed golf and tennis, and was a life-long fan of the Chelsea Football Club. Since his early years working on a hop farm in Kent, Ray enjoyed outdoor work and he was especially excited for any task that involved riding a tractor or using one of his many chainsaws. Ever handy, Ray could fix anything and had a tool for everything; when a tool didn’t exist for the job, he simply made one himself. He traveled widely in Europe, and in retirement he and Ann enjoyed taking cruises together. Known for his sweet tooth, Ray was often seen with a Cadbury chocolate or Klondike Bar in hand. In later years he remained active with yardwork and daily walks, and he enjoyed telling stories about growing up in England. He was thrilled to celebrate his 92nd birthday with family. We are grateful for the warmth, stability, and kindness he brought into our lives. He is deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Services were private. Arrangements are in care of the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 830 Jones Hill Rd., West Haven. Sign Ray's guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net.

Raymond John Friend, 92, of Orange, CT, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, with his family by his side. Ray was born on February 11, 1934, in Myrtle Cottage in the village of Langley, Kent in England. He was a devoted husband of 58 years to his beloved wife, Ann, a loving father to his daughter, Lee, and a cherished “Poppy” to his grandson, Blake Raymond.

After completing school, Ray began a machining apprenticeship with E.A. Gardner & Sons Ltd., during which he also attended technical college for mechanical engineering. At 21, he was conscripted into the British Army, serving in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and was stationed in Germany. Following his National Service, he continued working as a machinist in Kent. In 1967, Ray moved to the United States amid high demand for skilled machinists during the Vietnam War, and he completed his training at Colt Industries’ Pratt & Whitney Machine Tool Division. He also purchased his first American car, an adored 1966 Ford Mustang. He met and married Ann the following year in New Haven, CT. In 1978, Ray achieved a long held goal by opening his own precision machining business, RAACO Tool Company, in Milford, CT, which he operated for 25 years until his retirement. While always proud of his English heritage, Ray also took great pride in becoming a U.S. citizen in 1990 nd often felt he had fulfilled the American dream.

Ray had a gentle spirit and a steady presence. Though quiet, he had a twinkle in his eye that revealed his playful side. True to his name, he was an easy friend to many—humans and animals alike— who were drawn to his calmness, kindness, and good nature. He enjoyed golf and tennis, and was a life-long fan of the Chelsea Football Club. Since his early years working on a hop farm in Kent, Ray enjoyed outdoor work and he was especially excited for any task that involved riding a tractor or using one of his many chainsaws. Ever handy, Ray could fix anything and had a tool for everything; when a tool didn’t exist for the job, he simply made one himself. He traveled widely in Europe, and in retirement he and Ann enjoyed taking cruises together. Known for his sweet tooth, Ray was often seen with a Cadbury chocolate or Klondike Bar in hand. In later years he remained active with yardwork and daily walks, and he enjoyed telling stories about growing up in England. He was thrilled to celebrate his 92nd birthday with family. We are grateful for the warmth, stability, and kindness he brought into our lives. He is deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Services were private. Arrangements are in care of the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 830 Jones Hill Rd., West Haven. Sign Ray's guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net.