Ray Poole

February  21st, 1947 November  19th, 2024
Ray Poole

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

His story...

Ray Poole died unexpectedly on November 19th, 2024 at the age of 77, at HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital. He was born in 1947 in Scranton, Arkansas, where he lived until the age of 13, when he moved to Bronx, NY, with several of his siblings. He was one of fifteen children born to Jack and Neta Poole.

Ray attended school in the Bronx and worked alongside his brothers as a mechanic where he developed his love and knowledge of sports cars. He served in Vietnam and upon his return married his wife Louise and, soon after, moved to Connecticut to raise their family. He became a respected butcher and worked as a meat manager in Pathmark for over 40 years, earning awards for his pristine meat department. He was well liked and respected by his co-workers and formed many lasting relationships. He had an engaging personality often telling humorous and outlandish stories as he joked with everyone in his orbit. Ray was a boxer who fought in the Golden Gloves and later developed a love for Tae Kwon Do. He advanced through the ranks to “master,” achieving the level of 4th degree black belt. He was an amazing fighter and took home many first place trophies while earning the admiration of those around him. He opened Poole’s Academy of Tae Kwon Do in 1992 and together with his son Raymond, ran the school for 10 years.

Ray retired to the sunny state of Florida in 2009 and was later joined by his partner, Susan. Ray was often seen walking at the park, biking down the road, riding his Harley Davidson Fat Boy, or cruising around in his latest Corvette. He proudly participated in the annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Cycle for Life fundraiser with his son Raymond and his daughter-in-law Rebecca. He had a passion for gardening and loved trading gardening tips with his daughter Rachel. He had a close bond with his oldest daughter Renee, and spoke with her on the phone every single day. He leaves behind six grandchildren who will never forget his amazing sense of humor and wit. He was, by far, the coolest grandfather around. He will live forever in our hearts.

A graveside funeral will take place on Saturday, December 14th, at 1 pm, at the Poole Cemetery in Scranton, Arkansas. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 22nd, between the hours of 2-5 pm in the event lounge at Maggie McFly’s in Brookfield, CT. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Mission 22 to support our Veterans.

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Memory wall

Post your condolences or share your Memories.


December 16, 2024
I knew Ray for a very short time but he felt like an old soul.
His love and devotion to his family, and friends was immeasurable. His smile I will never forget.





Cynthia Gardiner
December 5, 2024
Ray was always easy to be with and had a contagious smile. He took amazing care of my dear friend Susan and for that I will always be thankful for. He loved his family and lived a great life. My deepest condolences and prayers to his family, I know he will be deeply missed.
Kate Jones
December 4, 2024
Ray was such a light hearted person with a great sense of humor. I was lucky to have known him. My favorite memory of him was when we were at different events he always took the time to catch up with me. He was such a genuine person.. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him and loved him. Tati
Tatiana Patrizio
December 4, 2024
Ray was such a wonderful man. A great uncle. Full of kindness. A friend to all. Gone too soon. I'll miss you.
Debra Bright
December 4, 2024
Ray had a presence that lit a room. I remember meeting him for the first time long ago and he was always happy. He loved his family very much. Thank you Ray for your service to our country and prayers and healing to your family.
Lisa Smith
December 4, 2024
Ray will live in our hearts forever. I was 19 and Ray was 20 when we married in the Bronx. We bought our first home in.CT.where we raised our family. Our children were a blessing to us. Ray you are deeply missed. ♥️
Louise Poole
December 3, 2024
Ray was never Ray or Mr. Poole to me. He was Dad. I’ll always remember him picking me up on snowy days on his way home from work so Rachel and I could have a sleepover. He treated me like another one of his daughters. His smile will always shine bright and I’ll always hear his contagious laughter echoing in my ears. Love you Dad
Jackie Dudas
December 3, 2024
We will forever cherish the wonderful memories we have of times spent together with our dear friend and next door neighbor. We love and miss you, Ray. Rest in peace,
Jan and Bart Holloman

Service


A celebration of life will be held in the event lounge at Maggie McFly’s in Brookfield, CT. Please join us.
Location
Maggie McFly's
195 Federal Rd.
Suite 3
Brookfield, CT 06804
Date/time
December 22nd, 2PM - 5PM

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In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Mission 22 to support our Veterans.

Mission22.com
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