Raymond P. Corrette, 79, of Punta Gorda, Florida, cast his final anchor on Sunday, September 15, 2024, after a brief illness following a several years battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Ray was born in Hartford, Connecticut to Paul and Betsey Corrette. He met the love of his life, Linda, in childhood dating through high school and marrying…
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Raymond P. Corrette, 79, of Punta Gorda, Florida, cast his final anchor on Sunday, September 15, 2024, after a brief illness following a several years battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Ray was born in Hartford, Connecticut to Paul and Betsey Corrette. He met the love of his life, Linda, in childhood dating through high school and marrying soon after graduation.
Ray began his career at Hartford Special where he made many lifelong friends. Ray started as a machinist with his Uncle Jack as his supervisor later advancing to become a Manufacturing Engineer. He further advanced his career at Fenn Manufacturing as an Aerospace Process Engineer. Ray’s engineering brain made his sage advice valued on all things. He was always informative, accurate and appreciated. Ray was widely known for his kind demeanor, and willingness to help others.
Ray and his wife Linda retired early, sold their home, and left Connecticut to live aboard their Krogen trawler “Summertime.” They lived aboard for six years circumnavigating the eastern half of the United States doing what it known as “The Great Loop”, collecting memories and new friends at every dock. After that adventure they both decided to settle in Punta Gorda, Florida, where they have resided for several years.
In addition to the full-sized boat, Ray enjoyed sailing model sailboats with the Sun Coast Model Sailing Club of Punta Gorda. A respected member of the Club, he constructed many Soling-class boats, fabricated custom sails and made complex repairs for his friends. The Boat Room at home is full of his sailing trophies and ribbons.
Ray was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease several years ago and was determined to live at home, something made possible by Linda’s constant support. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Linda Corrette, son Nicholas Moses Corrette, sisters Jane Koda and her husband Paul, Kathryn McGiffen, Paula Corrette-Fay, sister-in-law Carolyn Pelkey and her husband Rick Rozie, and several loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Ray was predeceased by his parents and an infant sister Louise.
A Celebration of Life with Military Honors for Ray has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 3:00 PM at the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association located at 2001 Shreve Street in Punta Gorda, FL with a live stream provided for those unable to attend in-person.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s. Donations can be made at https://www.neurochallenge.org/about/sarasota-parkinsons-donations/
Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home in Punta Gorda. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family.
Karen & Larry Blinderman
left a message on October 1, 2024:
Dear Linda, Nick and family ... I wrote a message here when this site became available, but it did not appear. So I'm trying again to send you our love and heartfelt sympathies. Pretty sure my family met Ray's family in July of 1955 when we moved into houses with adjoining backyards. Linda, I met you two months later when we started 3rd grade. Over the years, we've shared many memories ... including my being in your wedding, the birth of your son, helping you move into your first apartment, and so much more. I remember when you and Ray visited us in our first apartment in New York which was situated under the landing zone for LaGuardia Airport. I don't recall if it was you or Ray who looked out the living room window (at night) to see an airplane's headlights aimed straight at our building as it was coming in for a landing ... and being shocked, thinking we were doomed. Anyone who knew Ray, knew what a great guy he was to his family, friends, co-workers and hobby pals. We send you much love ... Karen & Larry
Judy Ruhm
left a message on September 28, 2024:
I remember your wedding - Dave and I were just engaged at that point. I remember Ray working with Dave to cut trees on property nearby and how we used it to heat our home. The design and creation of a unique wood burning stove was made by Ray and Dave. 6 were created and enjoyed. We named it the “Warm Ray Ruhm heater”. Warm are all the many memories of times we shared and grateful I am to walk down memory lane with those treasured times. May blessings of good memories be yours, Linda and family. Ray was a very special friend.
Larry Fransen
left a message on September 26, 2024:
I was sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. I knew Ray from Fenn, first as a fellow employee and later as a Boeing Rep. Ray was always so calm and easy to work with. I remember when I first learned he was following his dream and living on a boat. I followed your adventure the first year thru your emails about the trip. The one I remember was in upper state New York where you had stopped for the night and how kind people were to you there. God bless. Larry
Olga and Andre Massicotte
left a message on September 25, 2024:
Our deepest condolences to you, Linda and to the entire Corette family. Ray was such a lovely man, and although he wasn’t very large, he had a huge heart. He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure and the privilege of knowing him.
Peter & Linda Gillen
left a message on September 23, 2024:
Ray and I were born one month apart and two houses apart in Hartford Ct. We immediately became best friends and did everything together.
We were full of mischief. When Halloween came, you had better have been friendly to us and the other kids in the neighborhood!
When we were about ten years old Ray moved a few miles to Bloomfield Ct. That didn't affect our friendship. We remained best of friends.
After graduating from high school Ray and Linda got married. It was an honor to be in their wedding and a few years later the godfather to their son Nicholas.
I always felt Ray and I could have been brothers. With all the scrapes and cuts we got from our adventures, I'm sure we were blood brothers.
Ray, you will be missed by all that knew you.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jessica Nichols
left a message on September 23, 2024:
I offer my condolences at this sad time my prayers are with you both Ray was just such a wonderful man and I will always have good memories of him and you. My deep condolences and prayers are with you at this time.
Bob D’Elia
left a message on September 23, 2024:
Ray was a good buddy and a member of our Bluehills avenue neighborhood gang. His father worked at a reform school for boys and always seem to have a suspicious look whenever addressing our group especially me.
We were a Wiley bunch, always down the woods building forts, having slingshot, peashooter, and dirt bomb fights. Another one of our great interest was trying to build rockets using pipes with wooden cone tops and fins and using a white powder, concoction of sugar, sulfur, and saltpeter for fuel. As I recall this conduction was one ingredient short of gunpowder and we always carried a supply of this powder around in a briefcase. We soon discovered that when heated up on a hot plate this white powder would turn into a brown melted solution we called “turds”
These “turds “ made excellent smoke bombs And we always had a small supply on hand for various purposes that I’ll leave to your imagination.
I remember one afternoon we are on Ray’s back porch and we had the hot plate going and we were mixing up a batch of turds. It was always my job to watch out for burning specs, that would jump out of the hot plate, and put them out. The back porch was small and the open briefcase of white powder was close by the hot plate. Well one of the burning specs jumped off the hot plate and into the open briefcase, igniting the whole batch, and created a humongous flare and white cloud of smoke which was followed by a gust of wind, blowing all evidence of the accidental explosion away
In the very next moment, Ray’s father appeared at the back door looking out at us said howdy boys how are you doing? To which we responded hi Mr. Corrett, we’re doing great.
Rest in peace good buddy, see you next time around…
Kathryn McGiffen
left a message on September 23, 2024:
In childhood, Ray, my older and only brother, was simultaneously my inspiration, tormentor, defender and annoying but loved big brother. As adults and friends, we shared many years of love, laughter and joy.
Love and smooth sailing, Ray. Strength and loving memories, Linda and Moses
Elizabeth Carmen Koda
left a message on September 23, 2024:
Dearest Uncle Ray, I was so lucky to spend time with you making great memories together toward the end of your life. We shared our passion for cars, especially Mustangs, car exhaust sounds and drag racing. You were always so interested to hear about my adventures on the track. The day before you passed, I had been at a car show and came to visit you in the hospital - we shared time looking at car pics and eating dessert for a perfect sweet afternoon together with your wife Linda and sister Jane, my Mom. You spirit is with me always, but especially when I put that right foot down. I'm sure you are racing to the stars with all our love. Miss you a lot.
Lawrence Giles
left a message on September 22, 2024:
My wife & I met Ray & Linda 12 years ago aboard their beloved Krogen Manatee Trawler, Sumertime., staying overnight at our dock in Key Biscayne. Only that one evening and breakfast together and I knew I could be Ray’s best friend. So calm in demeanor, confident, and knowledgeable. We were both engineers to our very essence. Every boat project I’ve undertaken since I wished we could have shared. He was always a presence, if not in person, in an ear whisper to remind me of the quality and integrity of my designs & fixes.
With Ray, it’s probably not a rare expression for his dear wife Linda to hear “ I wish we could have been closer”. RIP, Ray, and God bless you, Linda.
Eva & Larry aboard Bucky,
Krogen Manatee #56, Longboat Key, FL
Gail & Bill Herrmann
left a message on September 21, 2024:
I’m truly sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories.
Raul Lara
left a message on September 20, 2024:
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Karen & Larry Blinderman
left a message on October 1, 2024:
Dear Linda, Nick and family ... I wrote a message here when this site became available, but it did not appear. So I'm trying again to send you our love and heartfelt sympathies. Pretty sure my family met Ray's family in July of 1955 when we moved into houses with adjoining backyards. Linda, I met you two months later when we started 3rd grade. Over the years, we've shared many memories ... including my being in your wedding, the birth of your son, helping you move into your first apartment, and so much more. I remember when you and Ray visited us in our first apartment in New York which was situated under the landing zone for LaGuardia Airport. I don't recall if it was you or Ray who looked out the living room window (at night) to see an airplane's headlights aimed straight at our building as it was coming in for a landing ... and being shocked, thinking we were doomed. Anyone who knew Ray, knew what a great guy he was to his family, friends, co-workers and hobby pals. We send you much love ... Karen & Larry
Judy Ruhm
left a message on September 28, 2024:
I remember your wedding - Dave and I were just engaged at that point. I remember Ray working with Dave to cut trees on property nearby and how we used it to heat our home. The design and creation of a unique wood burning stove was made by Ray and Dave. 6 were created and enjoyed. We named it the “Warm Ray Ruhm heater”. Warm are all the many memories of times we shared and grateful I am to walk down memory lane with those treasured times. May blessings of good memories be yours, Linda and family. Ray was a very special friend.
Larry Fransen
left a message on September 26, 2024:
I was sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. I knew Ray from Fenn, first as a fellow employee and later as a Boeing Rep. Ray was always so calm and easy to work with. I remember when I first learned he was following his dream and living on a boat. I followed your adventure the first year thru your emails about the trip. The one I remember was in upper state New York where you had stopped for the night and how kind people were to you there. God bless. Larry
Olga and Andre Massicotte
left a message on September 25, 2024:
Our deepest condolences to you, Linda and to the entire Corette family. Ray was such a lovely man, and although he wasn’t very large, he had a huge heart. He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure and the privilege of knowing him.
Peter & Linda Gillen
left a message on September 23, 2024:
Ray and I were born one month apart and two houses apart in Hartford Ct. We immediately became best friends and did everything together.
We were full of mischief. When Halloween came, you had better have been friendly to us and the other kids in the neighborhood!
When we were about ten years old Ray moved a few miles to Bloomfield Ct. That didn't affect our friendship. We remained best of friends.
After graduating from high school Ray and Linda got married. It was an honor to be in their wedding and a few years later the godfather to their son Nicholas.
I always felt Ray and I could have been brothers. With all the scrapes and cuts we got from our adventures, I'm sure we were blood brothers.
Ray, you will be missed by all that knew you.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jessica Nichols
left a message on September 23, 2024:
I offer my condolences at this sad time my prayers are with you both Ray was just such a wonderful man and I will always have good memories of him and you. My deep condolences and prayers are with you at this time.
Bob D’Elia
left a message on September 23, 2024:
Ray was a good buddy and a member of our Bluehills avenue neighborhood gang. His father worked at a reform school for boys and always seem to have a suspicious look whenever addressing our group especially me.
We were a Wiley bunch, always down the woods building forts, having slingshot, peashooter, and dirt bomb fights. Another one of our great interest was trying to build rockets using pipes with wooden cone tops and fins and using a white powder, concoction of sugar, sulfur, and saltpeter for fuel. As I recall this conduction was one ingredient short of gunpowder and we always carried a supply of this powder around in a briefcase. We soon discovered that when heated up on a hot plate this white powder would turn into a brown melted solution we called “turds”
These “turds “ made excellent smoke bombs And we always had a small supply on hand for various purposes that I’ll leave to your imagination.
I remember one afternoon we are on Ray’s back porch and we had the hot plate going and we were mixing up a batch of turds. It was always my job to watch out for burning specs, that would jump out of the hot plate, and put them out. The back porch was small and the open briefcase of white powder was close by the hot plate. Well one of the burning specs jumped off the hot plate and into the open briefcase, igniting the whole batch, and created a humongous flare and white cloud of smoke which was followed by a gust of wind, blowing all evidence of the accidental explosion away
In the very next moment, Ray’s father appeared at the back door looking out at us said howdy boys how are you doing? To which we responded hi Mr. Corrett, we’re doing great.
Rest in peace good buddy, see you next time around…
Kathryn McGiffen
left a message on September 23, 2024:
In childhood, Ray, my older and only brother, was simultaneously my inspiration, tormentor, defender and annoying but loved big brother. As adults and friends, we shared many years of love, laughter and joy.
Love and smooth sailing, Ray. Strength and loving memories, Linda and Moses
Elizabeth Carmen Koda
left a message on September 23, 2024:
Dearest Uncle Ray, I was so lucky to spend time with you making great memories together toward the end of your life. We shared our passion for cars, especially Mustangs, car exhaust sounds and drag racing. You were always so interested to hear about my adventures on the track. The day before you passed, I had been at a car show and came to visit you in the hospital - we shared time looking at car pics and eating dessert for a perfect sweet afternoon together with your wife Linda and sister Jane, my Mom. You spirit is with me always, but especially when I put that right foot down. I'm sure you are racing to the stars with all our love. Miss you a lot.
Lawrence Giles
left a message on September 22, 2024:
My wife & I met Ray & Linda 12 years ago aboard their beloved Krogen Manatee Trawler, Sumertime., staying overnight at our dock in Key Biscayne. Only that one evening and breakfast together and I knew I could be Ray’s best friend. So calm in demeanor, confident, and knowledgeable. We were both engineers to our very essence. Every boat project I’ve undertaken since I wished we could have shared. He was always a presence, if not in person, in an ear whisper to remind me of the quality and integrity of my designs & fixes.
With Ray, it’s probably not a rare expression for his dear wife Linda to hear “ I wish we could have been closer”. RIP, Ray, and God bless you, Linda.
Eva & Larry aboard Bucky,
Krogen Manatee #56, Longboat Key, FL
Gail & Bill Herrmann
left a message on September 21, 2024:
I’m truly sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories.
Raul Lara
left a message on September 20, 2024:
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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