Condolence From: Jamie Starkey
Condolence: I met Ray online through his love of photography. I was delighted to see he was also a cat lover. Something I can definitely relate to! Loved seeing his photos on Facebook of his cats, the local scenery and beautiful sunsets. I would cry when I saw posts dedicated to the fur babies they had lost. I smiled at photos when they adopted new fur babies to care for.
I had not been on Facebook much but when I did come back, I felt something was missing from my feed. I went to check in on Ray’s page and he had not posted in over a month. I knew this was not normal at all. I then found this page.
My condolences to his family. I never met Ray in real life, but the things his family say here definitely radiated through him even through Facebook. His personality and his love for his partner and his kitties warmed my heart all of the way over here in Ohio.
Huge hugs for Artie and the cats.
Monday July 23, 2018
Condolence From: Stephen Ostrander
Condolence: I remember the first time I met Uncle Ray when I was a kid. I had thought that Uncle Ray was superman. He looked just like Clark Kent to me and I was afraid to meet him. I mentioned it to my mom who laughed and said, "no, no he's your Uncle Ray."
As I got older, I wish I was able to spend more time with Uncle Ray, because he always seemed to have an energetic and uplifting type of personality. Any time we got together it was a blast. I'll remember his good sense of humor and fantastic personality.
I will miss my Uncle Ray and my condolences go out to his husband Arthur and his sister Helen.
Sunday June 24, 2018
Condolence From: Lauren Ciraulo-Luchento
Condolence: I will miss Uncle Ray deeply. I am fortunate enough to remember him from a very young age - he was always the cool, creative uncle who made you feel like you weren't "just a kid". He gave me my favorite Barbie doll ("Feeling Fun" Barbie with crimped hair and a jean jacket) and made my first limo ride a fun experience in spite of it being for his dad's funeral. Years later as an adult, I was able to truly appreciate his humor, intellect and undeniable artistic talent.
I feel honored to have been a part of his life, but terribly saddened that it was cut too short. My deepest condolences go out to the love of his life, Arthur, who was a perfect match for him in every way, and my mom, who was not only a loving sister to Ray, but helped raise him and nurture his creativity. I will always have a special place for him in my heart.
Friday June 15, 2018
Condolence From: Doug Ciraulo
Condolence: I met Uncle Ray at just the right time- age 13, right at the cusp of diving into those loose and rebellious teenage years. Uncle Raymond was always a rebel to me. He was never afraid to just be himself, be it cracking a wry joke or wielding his camera, capturing the world around him. I've always felt a strong bond with him as being the youngest in our respective families- both scrappy troublemakers with something to prove. He proved to me that it's never too late to love and connect. I will miss him deeply and will always carry him in my heart.
My deepest condolences go out to his very loving husband Arthur and his enduring sister, my mother, Helen.
Friday June 15, 2018
Condolence From: Laura
Condolence: Arthur,Helen, and families
There are no words I can say to tell you how sorry I
am for your loss. Growing up Ray and I had so many great times. We spent days fishing at the docks,nature walks in the woods and picking blueberries for his mom to bake us pies,muffins and anything else you could make with blueberries. I could go on with stories and adventures we had, those were some of the best times of my life. Ray was the best friend anyone could have and even know we haven't seen each other in awhile I never stopped thinking of him and shared our childhood stories with my children.
Rest in peace my friend until we meet again.
Laura
Thursday June 14, 2018
Condolence From: Matthew Ciraulo
Condolence: I am deeply saddened by the loss of my Uncle Raymond. I got to know him a little better during my teenage years and in my twenties. I remember giving him a big hug when he came over to our house after he got married to his long time partner and husband Arthur. He was always very friendly and chatty every time he came to visit and had a very kind heart. In the days before his death I tried to inspire him to take better care of himself by eating better and losing weight hoping I could be an inspiration to him since I had gone on a diet and lost weight the year before. Unfortunately he was a heavy smoker and it really took a toll on his health. He is up in heaven now with his brother, sister, mother, father, and all the pets he had throughout his life that passed away. I know he and my uncle Terry are watching over me and the rest of my family. He will always be smiling down at us with his infectiously optimistic smile.
Thursday June 14, 2018
Condolence From: Helen Ostrander-Ciraulo
Condolence: Words cannot adequately express the depth of my sorrow! Ray was my little brother and I loved him with all my heart. There was 8 years between us, but it did not matter . We were a pair from the very beginning. Ray was an incredibly talented photographer, artists, gardener and writer. He always had a sense of adventure and curiosity about nature and the landscape. Often, growing up he would go on adventures in the Pine Barrens in search of the most unique bird, lighting and tree that held his interest. He lived in the present moment and made me realize the beauty of the world around us . I loved my brother's wit and his ability to talk intelligently on many current issues. I always learned something new being in his company. He was the rainbow in my life and I am so grateful for our time together. Rest in Peace my dear brother!!!
Thursday June 14, 2018
Condolence From: Andrew Ciraulo
Condolence: I am sincerely going to miss Uncle Ray. He was funny, witty, smart, and a brilliant photographer. I will miss his laugh (the signature Ostrander laugh, if you know it) and his cheeky jokes. Most of all, I will miss his candid photographic style. Ray was constantly snapping pictures at all angles and in all different kinds of lighting. Sometimes you wondered if he truly was catching your "good" side at all, but whether you knew it or not, he was capturing you at your most authentic. My condolences go out to the love of Ray's life, Arthur. Please reach out if you ever need anything!
With love,
Andrew
Thursday June 14, 2018
Condolence From: Nancy Maloney
Condolence: Heartbroken to learn of Ray's passing. He and my daughter were childhood best friends and she would accompany him on nature trips in the woods surrounding our homes. He always had his camera with him and captured beautiful pictures of flowers and wildlife. Ray kept in touch with our family over the years and I will miss his intelligent posts and beautiful artwork on Facebook. My condolences to his husband, Arthur and to his sister. Helen and family.
Wednesday June 13, 2018
