Raymond G. Hard
Raymond G. Hard, age 83, of Boylston St. Meriden, passed away March 1, 2010 at Gaylord Hospital. Raymond is the husband for 63 years of Shirley M. Delmore Hard. He is the father of Raymond V. Hard & his wife Patti, Michael J. Hard, Shawn J. Hard & wife Kelley, all of Meriden; grandfather of Michael F Hard, Kasie R. Hard, Sean D. Hard, Jeffrey Hard & Jacob D. Hard; great grandfather of Gavin McGray & Chloe Noyes. Ray was predeceased by his son David E. Hard, and brothers, William & Edwin Hard. Born in Peekskill, NY on April 16, 1926 he was a son of the late Raymond B. & Margaret Burke Hard. A graduate of Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose, NY in 1944 and then served in the US Navy from 1944 to 1946 with the 144th Naval Construction Battalion (Seabees) as S/K3/c on Guam, Marianas Islands, during WWII. Ray was a radio broadcaster from 1957-1978 at five Conn. Radio & TV stations, with experience as announcer, both on & off camera, sales & station manger as well as New England Regional Director of Nat'l Assoc. of FM Broadcasters followed by 2 years as Executive Secretary of CT Broadcasters Assn. & several adult education non-credit courses re: PR, Sales etc. He was a Sales Counselor for 14 years for the Catholic Cemeteries Assoc. working with the Archdioceses of Hartford, the Orthodox Greek Diocese of Baltimore, MD & a short time in Chicago. He has writing experience consisting of Hard Times, The Hard Family Newsletter as well as 4 books on: Profitable Flea Marketing, Making Final Arrangements, Profitable Non-Profit Auctions & Per Inquiry Advertising in addition to lots & lots of newscast. Ray ended his working years as a school bus driver & crossing guard. He was a member of the Antique Veterans, the Knights of Columbus, Quarter Master for Post 585 in Meriden & a member of the 'BOOBS'- Bunch Of Old Broadcasters. Relatives & Friends may attend his Funeral on Saturday, March 6, 2010, at 10:00 AM in BEECHER & BENNETT-FLATOW FUNERAL HOME, 48 Cook Ave. Meriden. with Military Honors at the Funeral Home. His family will then continue to receive friends untill 12:00 noon at the funeral home. Interment will be private.
Dear Mike: Its been a long time since we have spoken and I would like to send my heartfelt sympathy to you and your entire family. The Bible says that death is mankind’s enemy. (1 Corinthians 15:26) My Dad passed away in 2007 and I still think about him every day. I have a lot of Memories from the good times we all had growing up in the late 60s.I remember driving in the 1963 Red International pick up Dad gave me around Meriden listening to the Radio. Embedded in my brain forever is hearing .THIS IS RAY HARD WPOP NEWS.. Keep your chin up and greetings to all old friends.I may be reached any time on my Cell at 239-220-6533 Sincerely: Ron Cardini
I was so sorry to read of Rays death – he was a very instrumental part of my life. For so many years. he was there to instruct, demonstrate and live the life of a broadcaster and salesman. Ive always followed his pursuits. Thank you for sharing Ray with me. Most sincerely, Carlene (Schultz) Owen
Mike, My thought are with and family. He will be missed at Shop Rite..
My thoughts and prayers are with you cousins Michael, Kasie, Gavin and to the entire Hard family. Your grandpa Ray is one of the nicest and happiest person I’ve known. The world has lost a great man, but we will all see him again one day. May you R.I.P Raymond G. Hard!
On behalf of the Antique Veterans, we wish to extend our sincere sympathy to Ray’s family.Ray was an active member of our group, and we shall miss him.
Ray and Patti and family, We are very sorry to learn about the passing of your father. Our sincere condolences to your family. Time passes but we never forget the ones we love. Sincerely, Tom and Mary Hanchuruck
Sincere sympathy to the entire family. Ray was a supporter and user of the Meriden Public Library and the whole staff enjoyed having him and Shirley visit. He always had a kind word and a joke for each one of us. He knew everyone’s name and took a personal interest in us as individuals. He will be greatly missed. -Jan, Meriden Public Library
We are very sorry for you loss Mom.We loved MR.P so much.Our hearts feel heavy for the life lost but feel lightness for the pain and struggle is at peace.Becky says she will miss Gpa Hard as you are thought of always no matter where we live.Kyle sends his heart and will see you all when he goes up to Ct.My love to the whole family.He is a wonderful man to have had in our lives. Love you miss you, Beth,Becky,kyle
My sincere condolences to your famly.Your Dad was a great man and I’am saddend of his passing.My thoughts and prayers are with you.
It has been an honor to have met a wonderful family man, I realize that you have lost a special person…my Condolences to your family.
It has been an honor to have met a wonderful family man, I realize that you have lost a special person…my Condolences to your family.
Dear Shirley, Ray, Patty, Mike, Shawn and all the Hard family, Ray was a great guy. He was a true gentleman, and someone to whom I looked as a role model. I celebrate his life and am very sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Bernie
Ray was a good friend of my family from the time we lived on Randolph Ave. in Meriden in the 1960s. I also knew Ray from my work in Radio and TV Broadcasting. I worked at WMMW 1470 AM, WNTY 990 AM, WKCI FM, WWUH FM, And Cable RAVE TV. Ray will be greatly missed by ALL! May Ray Always Rest In PEACE!