Raymond F. Bahr, Jr.

Raymond F. Bahr, Jr., 94, of Cheshire, husband of the late Marjorie S. Bahr, passed away on November 3, 2022 at Elim Park in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. Ray was born on September 26, 1928 in New Haven and spent his childhood in Hamden, CT. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Francis and Alice Tennien Bahr and his brother, William T. Bahr. He is survived by his son, Raymond F. (Judith) Bahr, III of Durham, CT; and his daughters, Cynthia (Christophe) LePoutre of Natural Bridge Station, VA, Carolyn (Barry) Wolff of Westbrook, CT, and Jocelyn Coblin of Pittsburgh, PA. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Christina, Paul, Jaclyn, Benjamin, Matthew, Harrison, Elliot, Kerry, and Jimmy; six great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Raymond graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from UCONN where he met his wife of nearly 54 years. He served as a first lieutenant fighter pilot in the United States Air Force from 1951-1955. Ray was president and owner of New England Pipe Cleaning Co., president of Northeast Waterblasting, and co-owner of Bahr Sales and Service. Ray volunteered for numerous organizations throughout his lifetime. In those roles he served as chairman of Cheshire Sewer Commission; board member of New England Water Environment Assoc.; member of American Public Works Association; director of New England Water Pollution Control Association; member of MA Water Works Association; and founding member, treasurer, and president of the National Association of Sewer Service Companies.

Throughout his life, Ray loved gardening — especially creating perennial gardens and growing begonias. He enjoyed many sports including hockey, snow skiing, ice skating, fishing, tennis, and golf. He was an avid painter of landscapes and lighthouses who explored many mediums such as acrylics, colored pencils, pen and ink, watercolors, and pastels. Over the years he also experimented with different techniques such as pointillism, but always came back to painting with acrylics or mixing pen and ink with watercolors. Ray loved the beach, and Charlestown, RI was a favorite spot where he owned a cottage for many years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 10 a.m. at Saint Bridget of Sweden Parish – St. Bridget Church, 175 Main Street, Cheshire, CT. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at church. Burial with Military Funeral Honors will follow at Beaverdale Memorial Park, 90 Pine Rock Ave., New Haven, CT.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ray's memory may be made to the Sarah Foundation, Inc., 246 Goose Lane #104, Guilford, CT 06437.