Raymond L. Andro

Thomaston, CT – Raymond L. Andro, 80 years of age, entered peacefully into eternal rest, at home surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Ray was born in Waterbury, CT, on July 17, 1940, the son of Adolph and Rose (Papa) Andro. He was educated at Kaynor Tech and Leavenworth High School. He completed his undergraduate studies at Western CT State College, and obtained a Master’s Degree in Teaching at Southern CT State College. During this time, he worked his way up through the Boy Scouts to achieve the highest level of Eagle Scout.

He went on to teach special education for 18 years at various Waterbury schools; Webster, Wilson, and Croft. He met and married another teacher, Brenda (Perazelli) Andro in 1967, and they had three children together.

The family took advantage of having summers off, by taking lots of camping trips. The principles and skills he learned from Scouting helped him to pursue his outdoor passions. In 1976, he decided to purchase a campground in Litchfield, CT.  The family transformed this little valley in the woods into a thriving business. They worked hard, made a lot of friends, and had a lot of fun. Ray became very active in many of the RV and Campground industry organizations, achieving much success throughout his career; including being President of the Connecticut Campground Owners Association, and appointed to the Governor’s Travel Council. The campground business expanded into a prosperous RV dealership in Southington, CT., which is currently operated by his children. Throughout his career, Ray earned many accolades, and was a well-respected business owner. He was a strong contributor, physically and financially, to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of CT and Camp Mattatuck.

In retirement, he enjoyed time in Rhode Island and Florida, where he could indulge in his favorite pastime of boating and fishing. Ray spent a lot of time fishing with his 2 sons, 3 grandsons, extended family, and friends- always sharing and cooking up the catch-of-the-day. He always sent pictures of the fish he caught, titled, “Livin’ the Dream,” and, he did.

He lived a long, happy, full life, surrounded by friends and family, who loved and respected him. He leaves behind his wife, Brenda Andro, daughter, Michelle Andro and her husband, Craig Hermonat, son, Chris Andro and fiancé, Jocelyn Pardi, son, Jason Andro and his wife, Amy Andro, along with his three grandsons, Nicholas, Anthony, and Joseph Andro. His brother and sister-in-law, Al and Sylvia Andro, nieces and nephew; Cindy Alfredo, Sherry O’Neil, and Todd Andro.

Friends and Family can gather for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am on Monday, August 31, 2020 at The Shrine of Lourdes in Litchfield, 50 Montfort Rd. Litchfield CT.  Burial to follow at All Saints Cemetery, Waterbury.  Family and friends may call at Colasanto’s Funeral Home from 4pm to 6pm, on Sunday, August 30, 2020 at 932 Bank Street, Waterbury.

In lieu of flowers, Ray would appreciate a donation to one of the following organizations:

Make-A-Wish of Connecticut, https://ct.wish.org/ways-to-help or
Camp Mattatuck, http://www.campmattatuck.org/volunteers.html

Make a check payable to: "Connecticut Rivers Council" and include "Mattatuck Volunteers" in the memo. Mail check to: Mattatuck Volunteers,P.O. Box 257,Plymouth, CT 06782-0257

Masks, social distancing and Covid-19 protocols are required.  To leave online condolences, please visit us at www.colasantofh.com.   

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