Frederick Olon Raley Jr.

.Frederick Olon Raley, Jr., 79, of Torrington, Connecticut, passed away on November 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Bristol, CT, the son of the late Josephine Santone Raley and Frederick Olon Raley Sr. Fred was a graduate of Bristol Central High School and the University of Connecticut. He later earned his MBA from Anna Maria College. Fred and his beloved wife of 57 years, Marian DeMauro Raley, built a wonderful life together filled with family, laughter, friendship, and countless memories. Together, they raised three children and took immense pride in the family they created. In addition to Marian, Fred leaves behind his children, Michael Raley and his husband, Jonah Rosen, Jennifer Cartland and her husband, Christopher, and Sarah Flavell and her husband, Phillip; and his beloved grandchildren, Alexandra and Addison Cartland, Nathan Flavell, and Elijah Rosen-Raley. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and even great-great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Carol Raley Johnston.Fred and Marian lived in Durham for over 30 years. He was committed to his community and served in a number of civic roles over the years, including extensive involvement with the Durham Republican Town Committee, Economic Development Committee, and the Exchange Club, as well as serving as a Justice of the Peace. Fred was a lifelong and loyal UConn Huskies football and basketball fan, a dedicated New England Patriots fan, and an avid Boston Red Sox fan. He also loved golf and treasured the many friendships and memories made on the course over the years. Fred never met a stranger. He had a way of making people feel welcome and included, whether he had known them for years or had just met them. An eternal optimist, he remained hopeful even in difficult times and could always find a reason to look on the bright side. This quality served him well throughout his successful 50-year career, in both sales leadership and executive recruiting. His advice was frequently sought by family and friends who trusted his judgment and valued his perspective .Fred loved to laugh and especially loved making other people laugh. His laugh was unmistakable and contagious, sending others into fits of giggles. His family will forever remember his endless supply of "Dad jokes", his ridiculous stories, his love of sports and history, and the warmth and humor he brought wherever he went. His family looked up to him, his friends admired him, and those who loved him knew they could turn to him for advice, a story, a laugh, or simply his steady presence. Above all, Fred loved his family deeply and would happily brag about them to anyone. His four grandchildren were the lights of his life and brought him unending joy and pride. His presence will be deeply missed, but the laughter, advice, stories, traditions, and love he leaves behind will remain with the many people whose lives were better because he was part of them.Memorial services will be held at D'Angelo Funeral Home in Middletown, CT, on Thursday, November 12th, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by interment at St. Sebastian's Cemetery, in Middlefield. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Connecticut Foodshare. Fred was driven by a desire to serve others, and helping those in need, especially close to the holidays,