Raymond Peter Ghilardi, affectionately known as" Poppy", 88 of Killingworth, passed away peacefully on Sunday February 16, 2025, at Middlesex Hospital. He was predeceased by his wife, Jacqueline (Michelin) Ghilardi.

He was born in New Haven, the son of the late Gefferino and Zoe (Pinelli) Ghilardi. Ray had a full life even though at the age of 8 he was struck with polio and had paralysis in his neck. He found his love for the water from spending his days at his grandparents' home in Stony Creek.  He was accepted into his beloved Navy, even with his paralysis, he served 8 years during the Cuban missile crisis. He was awarded a Quilt of Valor in 2023 thanking him for his military service. Ray worked 36 years first as a meter reader, then as a Class A Service Technician for the Southern CT Gas Company serving the city of East Haven. He loved fishing, hunting, shooting, boating and the countless family summer vacations and excursions with his wife, daughter and their dogs. He dedicated much of his time to designing his extensive model train sets.

He along with Jackie built a log cabin in 1977 and ran a self-sufficient farm first in Killingworth, then moved to Higganum were the entire family, 3 generations lived and continued farming. Upon the death of Jackie, the family downsized the farm and moved back to Killingworth.

Ray leaves behind his daughter and son-in-law, Debranne and Garnett Myers Jr, granddaughters, Jenni Marie Myers-Labbe (Joseph) and Emma Louise Myers-Gallacher (Ryan), great granddaughter Jane Marceline Labbe, great grandson Jack Whitney Labbe, a nephew Maurice Zide of Windhoek, Namibia and many numerous friends. He was also predeceased by his brother Robert Nello Ghilardi.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday April 5, 2025, at 11am at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 50 Emmanuel Church Rd, Killingworth. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company 333 Route 81, Killingworth, CT 06419 or Middlesex Hospital 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457.