Ray Ballirano

Ray Ballirano, age 70, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on August 15th, 2024, after his battle with cancer.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, on June 7th,1954, he was the son of the late Ralph Ballirano and Anna (Bruscato) Ballirano. He was later raised in Norwich, Connecticut, where he graduated from NFA and attended Three Rivers Community College.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Flo Ballirano, his son Michael Ballirano, his significant other, Cassidy Stefanski, their two children, Louie and Bodie Ballirano of Preston, CT, his daughter Alexis Rae (Ballirano) Cramer, her husband Jeffrey Cramer, their daughter Laney Cramer of Brooklyn, CT, his step-son George Mugovero, his wife, Stacie Mugovero of Hamburg, PA, his step-daughter Lisa Hodges, her husband Michael Hodges of Oakdale, CT, their children Dylan Hapgood, his wife, Nikol Hapgood of Griswold, CT, Alyssa Hapgood, her partner, Scott Richardson, of Oakdale, CT, Brandi Hodges of Groton, CT, and Rachel Hodges-Afonso and her husband Joseph Afonso of Wilmer, AL, as well as his step-daughter Tricia DuBois, her husband, Curt DuBois of Hampton, CT, their children, Briana DuBois-Antoine, her husband, Christopher Antoine of Canterbury, CT, and Curt Dubois Jr. of Hampton, CT. He is also survived by three great grandchildren: Natalee Hapgood, John Arthur Richardson, and Aiden Antoine. Additionally, he is survived by three younger siblings: Susan (Ballirano) Kirwin of Naples, FL, her daughters, Tara Boccanfuso and Trisha Hlastawa, Stephen Ballirano, his wife, Judy Ballirano, of Preston, CT, and Carol (Ballirano) Frizzola and her husband, Bob Frizzola, of Preston, CT. Furthermore, he is survived by uncles, aunts, numerous cousins, and countless friends.

In Ray’s 70 years, he has graced his family, friends, and community with endless kindness, laughter, and loyalty. He is a former president of the Norwich Rose Arts Festival. He loved playing sports with his friends including playing in 3 different local baseball leagues. He is best remembered for his love of baseball, especially the Yankees, his passion for vacationing in Cape Cod and going on cruises, the beach, his love of music, and his longstanding career with ShopRite Supermarkets. He worked for ShopRite for over 50 years where he made life-long connections with colleagues and customers alike. He was the man of the people, friend to all, and he will be missed dearly.

To commemorate Ray’s life, calling hours will be on Monday, August 19th, 2024, at the Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home in Griswold, CT, starting at 5:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Norwich, CT, on Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 starting at 10:00 am. Burial will be immediately following the service at Pachaug Cemetery in Griswold, CT.

Flowers are welcome, but in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

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