Raymond A. Gustavson

Raymond A. Gustavson, 79, of Plainville, formerly of Southington, died Thursday December 30, 2010 at West Hartford Health and Rehab Center. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Dorothy (Stoll) Gustavson for 12 1/2 years.

Raymond was born in New Britain on September 26, 1931, to the late Oscar R. and Maybelle (Lyndon) Gustavson. He served his country in the Army during the Korean War. Raymond worked for many years as a tool and die maker and was a partner in All Five Tool Company, retiring in 2002. He was a former President of the Southington Midget Football League. Raymond loved watching both the men and women's UCONN basketball games and was an avid Red Sox fan. He will be remembered for his charity and generosity to all.

In addition to his wife Dorothy, he is survived by 3 children: Scott Gustavson and his wife Diane, Marsha Gustavson, and James Gustavson, all of Southington; 2 stepsons: James Haeffner and his wife Susan of Massachusetts and Thomas Haeffner of Florida; 8 grandchildren: Michelle, Jeffrey and his wife Teresa, Amybeth, Melissa, Haley, Patrick, Jessica, and Michael; his sister Joan Benander of Massachusetts, and nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children, Patricia Burns.

Ray's family would like to extend a very special 'Thank You' to the doctors and staff at the HCC at New Britain General Dialysis Center and to the staff at West Hartford Health and Rehab Center for their compassion and excellent care of Ray.

A memorial service in Raymond's memory will be held on Tuesday January 4, 2011 at 11:00 at the First Lutheran Church, 232 Bristol St., Southington. As per Ray's wishes, there are no calling hours and burial will be held privately and at the convenience of the family. Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville, has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. Donations in Ray's memory may be made to HCC at New Britain General- Dialysis Center, 100 Grand Street, New Britain, CT 06050 or the First Lutheran Church, 232 Bristol St., Southington, CT 06489. For online condolences and directions please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com

FUNERAL SERVICES

A memorial service in Raymond's memory will be held on Tuesday January 4, 2011 at 11:00 at the First Lutheran Church, 232 Bristol St., Southington. As per Ray's wishes, there are no calling hours and burial will be held privately and at the convenience of the family. Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville, has been entrusted with handling the arrangements.

Donations in Ray's memory may be made to HCC at New Britain General- Dialysis Center, 100 Grand Street, New Britain, CT 06050 or the First Lutheran Church, 232 Bristol St., Southington, CT 06489.