Obituary of Raymond A. Berchem

Raymond A. Berchem Jr., age 45, of Shelton, beloved husband of Sandra Chonko Berchem, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Griffin Hospital, with his beloved wife by his side. Born in Bridgeport on November 16, 1969, he was a son of Raymond and Betty Jane McAuliffe Berchem of Monroe. Along with his father, they operated Ray & Sons Garage Door in Bridgeport. He loved to go to work every day with his dad and brother-in-law Mike. Ray could always be found on the passenger side of the truck because if it weren’t for “GPS Ray Jr.”, he and Mike may have never found the job of the day. He loved to travel with his wife and made sure he picked up his Harley T-shirt where ever they’re travels led. He loved the New York Giants and Yankee baseball, enjoyed Orange County Choppers and truly felt free and happy when he was cruising around town on his scooter. Ray treasured the time he spent with his family, especially all of his nieces and nephews. But above all he was a dedicated husband and son whose smile and fun love will continue to live within all of his family; he will be missed by all who knew him. In addition to his beloved wife of 19 years, Sandra, and his parents Ray and BJ, survivors include three loving sisters, Dawn D’Andria and her husband Tom of Derby, Amy Koch and her fiancé Tom Moleski of Guilford and Melissa Rodrigues and her husband Michael of Monroe, six special nieces and nephews, who he loved dearly, Taylor and Jeremy Rodrigues, Robert and Kayla DeGennaro, Gwen Benning-Chonko and Chloe Chonko, cousins, Vincent Jr. and Nicole Buckley, Matthew Francesca and David, Kenneth and Christopher Berchem, as well as several aunts and uncles. He also leaves to cherish his memory his mother-in-law, Joan Chonko and brothers-in-law, Robert and Geoffrey Chonko as well as his “Fur Kid”, Princess. Relatives and friends can greet the family on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 from 4-8 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. A prayer service will take place on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Andrew Marus presiding. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.