A Clock is Dedicated to Raymond Roncari, Who Loved Windsor Locks Like No Other Place

Family and friends gathered to dedicate a clock at the northwest corner of Main and Elm streets to the late Raymond Roncari.

The clock was erected in memory of  Roncari, the late president and owner of Roncari Express Valet Parking in Windsor Locks. Roncari died in 2006 at the age of 82.

“We’re so happy with the clock,” Paul Smith, an attorney who worked with Roncari, said. “I think Raymond would be happy with this clock.”

Smith, who helped organized getting and erecting the clock, said Roncari was strengthened in good times by his faith. Roncari was also strengthened by his devotion, commitment and dedication to his family, Smith said. He and his wife Madeleine, loved their kids, and their kids’ kids.

“His devotion went from everything to bathing to nurturing them,” Smith said.

Roncari’s devotion to Windsor Locks was also well-known, he thought there was no better place than Windsor Locks, Smith said. He looked to how he could improve his community, he added.

“He was never interested in moving anywhere else,” Smith said. “He was born here and here is where he passed. When you see this clock, remember Ray and all he gave to his community.”


The clock face has Windsor Locks on top and Tempus Fugit, Latin for “time flies” on the bottom. It was made by Electric Time Company in Medfield, Mass. It is 14.5 feet tall, and the clock face is three feet in diameter.

“It’s perfect,” Debbie Roncari, one of Raymond’s daughters, said. “He had no concept of time. It was perfect for him.”

Debbie Roncari said the clock was Smith’s idea, although he didn’t want to take credit. She said Joseph Calsetta, general manager of Roncari Associates Inc. took the ball and found the company to make the clock, and even went to Massachusetts with another person to pick it up.

She also thanked people from Walgreens, Mike Russo, Denise Balboni, John Seaha and everyone else who donated time, effort and money to the clock, including those who wish to remain anonymous.

After the ceremony, Debbie Roncari said she and her family were surprised when they were first approached with the idea a few months after Raymond died. She said it took a long time and a lot of work to come to fruition.

“We couldn’t be happier,” she said. “We’ve driven up and down the street, day and night. We can’t help smile because it’s a piece of our dad.”