If you’ve seen Ray around the community, there’s a good chance he’s greeted you by name—and that you’ve greeted him right back. Much like Norm from Cheers, Ray is a friendly fixture here. He’s the kind of person whose quiet presence grows warmer the more you get to know him, and whose quick wit and kindness have a way of drawing people in.



Ray grew up in Pontiac, Michigan, the eldest of seven children. His father was a GM executive with Pontiac, and his mother poured her energy into raising a lively and loving family. The house was always bustling, full of laughter and the sounds of childhood.

From early on, Ray was drawn to the outdoors. His world revolved around sports, adventure, and a fair bit of mischief. He landed his first job at a sporting goods store, where he picked up a passion for skateboarding. With six siblings to explore alongside, the days were packed with biking excursions, water-skiing on local lakes, and memorable ski trips each winter.

Ray’s knack for hard work and fun led him during high school to work for the local Parks & Rec Department, where he helped carve out new horseback trails. When the project wrapped up, the payoff came with a ride on those very trails. Mounted on a spirited black stallion named Sunny, Ray still laughs when he remembers the wild ride the horse gave him that day—a story he shares with a glint in his eye and still laughs about today.

In 1977, Ray met Jayne, the woman who would become his wife and his best friend. Together, they made a home in Londonderry, New Hampshire, and filled it with adventure. White-water rafting, spontaneous road trips, and a revolving door of cherished adopted cats were the hallmarks of their life together.

Jayne held a career with the IRS, while Ray found his calling in electronics. He specialized in engineering and quality control, lending his skills to several high-tech companies—including work on top-secret microwave technology for government F-18 fighter jets. There was seriousness to his work, balanced out by a full and happy home life.

The new millennium brought big changes. In 2002, Ray and Jayne headed south to Wilmington, North Carolina, to be closer to Ray’s parents. Ray joined the engineering department at a local golf resort, where his expertise impressed the resort manager so much that he was hired on the spot. The job proved to be a rewarding bridge into retired life.

In 2018, Ray and Jayne moved once more to enjoy retirement together, this time to Vero Beach, a sunlit setting that became the heart of their golden years together. In June 2024, Jayne passed away, leaving behind a lifetime of love and beautiful memories.

Today, Ray brings the same warmth, humor, and generosity to Renaissance Senior Living of Vero Beach that he’s shared everywhere he’s lived. He remains surrounded by friends and, true to form, another furry companion. His lively kitten, Niki, keeps Ray’s home cheerful and his days full of playful moments.

Ray’s story is one of adventure, resilience, and gentle good humor. We’re grateful to have him as part of our community—someone who not only fills a room with warmth, but makes Renaissance feel even more like home.