Raymond Bartolucci

Published in The Day on 2/15/2009

Groton - Raymond Bartolucci, 92, of Hillside Road, Groton, died Feb. 12, 2009, at his home.
He was born Sept. 30, 1916, in New London, the son of the late Alfred and Louisa (Ciavaglia) Bartolucci. During his high school years, Ray was an outstanding varsity athlete in baseball, football, and basketball. He was a key player in the historic football game between Chapman Tech and the Bulkeley School. The historic win gave Chapman Tech an undefeated season in 1933.

After graduating from Chapman Tech, he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals baseball organization and played for farm teams in the Midwest and later in the Penn League for four years.

He was united in marriage to Bernice "Bee" (Koch) Bartolucci on Dec. 28, 1971, in St. Mary Church, Stonington; Mrs. Bartolucci died Jan. 4, 2003.

Ray was an Army veteran serving in World War II. Upon returning from Germany, he served as a supernumerary in the Connecticut State Police. He was employed at Electric Boat for many years as an electrician.

He played football and baseball for the Electric Boat Athlete Club and the former Morgan Park baseball league. Later he managed the baseball teams in both leagues. Mr. Bartolucci was currently serving as president for the E.B.A.C. retirees.

He was a life member in the New London Elks # 360, was Past-Exalted Ruler, and served in many other official capacities. He was a member of the Italian Dramatic Club in New London. He enjoyed playing golf and was a charter member of the New London Country Club in Waterford and a member of Shennecosset Golf Club in Groton, were he worked as a starter for many years.

He worked part-time for the late Anthony Impellitteri at the former Impellitteri Memorial Home and continued with Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home. Mr. Bartolucci was currently working for the Mohegan Sun Casino as a security officer until his illness.

He is survived by a sister, Laura Lanzoni of Waterford; two stepsons, Dean Christie of Griswold and Tom Christie of Stonington; a cousin, Alma Verbillo of New London; three grandchildren, Michael, Danielle, and Jenna Christie; and a great-grandchild, Noelle.

He was predeceased by three brothers, Lebro, Silvio, and Guido Bartolucci.

His family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home followed by interment in Jordan Cemetery, Waterford.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Hospice Southeastern CT, 227 Dunham St., Norwich CT 06360.