Raymond Robert LaMay, son of Joseph and Rita LaMay, was born October 1, 1942.  He had three sisters, Anne, Regina and Patricia.

He lived in Southington, Connecticut until his family moved to the neighboring town of Meriden where he graduated from Maloney High School in 1960.  After high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served for 4 years.  Ray obtained a college degree from Central Connecticut State College in 1975.  He was employed in the steel business for many years.

He married Lois Bray in 1972 and they were happily married for 34 years.  He was the father of four sons: Curtis, Jason, Kevin and Joshua.

Throughout his life he was actively involved in the Boys and Girls Club of Meriden and the Jack Barry Little League.

Ray was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in 2006.

Aside from the facts, I would like to tell you a little bit about my father.  Ray was a simple man, but one that you could count on to be there when you needed him the most. He found the good in a situation and brought out the very best in people.  Personally, I was always able to go to him for advice.    I miss that the most about him.  He would sit with me listening quietly until I was finished; only after did he talk, expressing his thoughts based on his knowledge and experiences.  I remember my father being most passionate about two things, his family and sports.  He had a huge presence in all the sports my brothers and I played while growing up.  My Dad was very active in the community, giving much of his time coaching, teaching and mentoring the youth of Meriden.    Ray instilled his passion for the community in all of his sons.  Jason and Joshua are both physical education teachers.  While Kevin and I have coached a number of different sports teams.

Things changed drastically when he was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and although the last year of his life was sorrowful, it was filled with many joys as well.   We as a family had the opportunity to spend quality time with him at various sporting events, vacations, and even in the family living room.  Ray was a remarkable man to all that knew him.  His impact on our lives will never be forgotten.

Curtis Francis LaMay

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(article on HOF inductee Ray LaMay from Record-Journal)

Ray LaMay LaMay named Boys & Girls Club honoree

MERIDEN – The Boys & Girls Club of Meriden Alumni Association has selected, Ray LaMay, a longtime volunteer coach in its youth sports programs, as its first inductee for this year’s Hall of Fame dinner.
The dinner is scheduled for April 22 at Mountainside Outing Club in Wallingford, starting with a social hour at 6 p.m. Tickets are available by contacting Gary Burt at the Boys & Girls Club at (203) 235-8185 or by stopping at the club’s main office, 15 Lincoln St.

LaMay coached in the Cuno Basketball league for 13 years, as well as in the King Youth Soccer League another five seasons. “What Ray brought to the table, and what made him so special was his positive approach to coaching kids,” noted Burt, the director of the Boys & Girls Club. “He had infectious enthusiasm and his comments and style were always in a fun and positive atmosphere. I can’t recall anyone else with more encouragement for their players in the 40 years I have been involved with our youth sports programs.” In addition to coaching at the Boys & Girls Club, LaMay also coached in the Jack Barry Little League for some 13 seasons, while also serving as vice-president of the league for three years. He has passed on his coaching enthusiasm to his children. His son, Curtis, coaches soccer, while Jason has been a coach in the Ed Walsh Little League for 10 years. In addition, his son, Kevin, coaches JV soccer at Maloney High and Joshua is involved in coaching at the Meriden YMCA.
LaMay’s roots are in Meriden, having graduated from Maloney in 1960. He then spent four years in the U.S. Air Force and continued his education, graduating from Central Connecticut Sate in 1975. He worked at New Departure in production control for eight years and as a salesman for Metal Goods for some 15 years. He is currently sales manager for NESSteel, a position he has held for 13 years. “Ray LaMay was the consummate youth sports coach, the kind of individual you would want your child to play for,” said Daniel Gaffney, the former Boys Club Alumni president who worked with him in several programs. “Our Alumni Association is proud to add him to the esteemed group that is our Hall of Fame, and the hundreds of kids he positively impacted makes him an exceptional selection.”
A strong family man, LaMay has been married to Lois Bray LaMay for the past 31 years. Besides their four sons, they have one granddaughter, Elisabeth.