Obituary of Raymond Henry Gustafson

Raymond Henry Gustafson, age 76, of South Glastonbury CT and Clinton CT, passed  unexpectedly, but peacefully, at Hartford Hospital surrounded by his family, on May 21, 2023.

He was born in Plymouth, New Hampshire on November 17, 1946 to Ethel (Ryea Gustafson) McLaughlin and Richard Hardy. He was adopted by his mother’s second husband Leonard Gustafson. At age 17, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam war and served  from 1964-1968. He was awarded many medals, including two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with a ‘V’ for valor. He authored a book about his experiences and subsequent Illnesses which were secondary to his exposure to Agent Orange: Agent Orange: An Insidious Legacy.

He was a wonderful father and grandfather, a devoted husband, and loyal friend. Ray was known for his generosity, warmth, gregarious personality and great bear hugs. He was active in multiple organizations, including Glastonbury Little League as a beloved coach, Glastonbury Exchange Club as a member and served as president, and Connecticut Parkinson’s Working Group (CPWG).

Ray had a successful career in the brokerage industry, working for several firms in the Hartford area. He had many hobbies including gemology, gardening, collecting antiques and artwork.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Christine Goldsmith Gustafson, and children, Jon, Liz and Bob. He is also survived by his mother Ethel McLaughlin, brother John and his wife Meg, sister Becky and her husband Mo, sister Pam, grandchildren Olivia and Will, daughters-in-law Chantel and Gina and many loving nieces and nephews.

A service will be held graveside at the State of Connecticut Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to Michael J. Fox Foundation or a charity of their choice. Ray was a proud champion of his fellow veterans, strong advocate for victims of agent orange exposure, and supporter of reproductive freedom. To send condolences or share a memory of Ray, please visit www.mulryanfh.com.