Raymond DeLouise

Cheshire - Raymond J. DeLouise Jr., 56, of Cheshire, passed away Tuesday October 6, 2009. He was the husband of Debra (Esposito) DeLouise. They were best friends since the age of 15.

Mr. DeLouise was born September 27, 1953 in New Haven the son of Raymond J. DeLouise Sr. and the late Dorothy (Tercyak) DeLouise. He was employed by United Illuminating as a Systems Operator for over 30 years.

He was not just a coach for the Cheshire Wildcats for many years but he was also a father figure for all of his players. Ray was always the Dad on the sidelines that every player on the team would turn to for a quick smile, a few words of encouragement, or a simple hug. His smile and sense of honor and his unconditional love and support for his family and friends was contagious. He was Past President for the Friends of Softball and the Friends of Field Hockey through Cheshire High School. He was also a long time member of the Cheshire Fire Department.

Besides his wife of 34 years and his father, Mr. DeLouise is survived by his son Andrew and his daughter Amanda both of Cheshire; a sister Cynthia DeLouise and nephew Jordan of Hamden.

Arrangements ' Funeral services will held on Friday October 9, 2009, 1 p.m. at St. Bridget Church, 175 Main St., Cheshire. Friends are asked to meet directly at church. Burial will follow in Cheshire Hillside Cemetery. There are no calling hours. The Slater Funeral Home of Cheshire 242 S. Main St. is in charge of arrangements. Memorial Contributions may be made to Freedom Alliance 22570 Markey Ct., Suite 240, Dulles, VA 20166 www.freedomalliance.org or to the Cheshire Friends of Softball, 341 S. Brooksvale Rd., Cheshire, CT 06410.