Ray W. Pickering, 84, of Hobe Sound, Florida, passed away on March 1, 2023, at Martin Health and Rehabilitation. Ray was born in Fall River Massachusetts to Ray Pickering Sr. and Jennie Gill and had been a resident of Hobe Sound, Florida for 35 years, coming from Fairfield, Connecticut.

Ray grew up in Fall River, Mass. He enlisted in the Air Force at age 18 and was stationed in California and Hawaii. Ray enjoyed talking about his years in the Air Force, particularly his time in California where upon discharge from the Air Force he remained for a few years and worked for the railroad system.

During his career in Connecticut, he was a Plant Operations Manager at Fairfield Plastics working in injection molding. He continued in injection molding when he moved to Florida. Always a hard worker, when Ray reached retirement age, he continued for many years working in building maintenance and enjoyed helping neighbors and family with various projects. Ray loved seafood and in his younger years he would get fresh clams from the marina at Lordship, Stratford, Connecticut and shuck them at home to enjoy with his family; everyone looked forward to those days.

When Ray lost his beloved wife Mary of 30 years, when he could, he traveled all over Florida and back and forth to Connecticut. He liked the road trips; they helped him to "move on." Ray enjoyed working with his tools, creating projects.  He loved spending time with his family and taking great care of his beloved dog, Sally, who lived for 16 years.

Ray was predeceased by his wife, Mary Pickering (Wrigley) and sons, Kenneth and Steven. He is survived by his daughters, Regina R. Mantz (Scott) of Hobe Sound, Florida; Susan M. Russell (Robert) of Trumbull, Connecticut; son David W. Pickering, of West Haven, CT; Seven grandchildren, Eric, Abigale and Emily (Mantz), Jessica (Russell) Moran and Kevin Russell, Michael Gluchacki, and Miles Pickering, and two great-grandchildren, Zak Russell and Nolan Moran.

Ray was a practical and wise mentor to his family and friends. He knew when to offer advice or not; and he cut through the B.S. Ray had a strong work ethic; he was a patriot and he respected loyalty, and self-reliance. He was a Yankee and Giants fan and loved to play his numbers. Ray will be missed by many. "Say Goodnight, Dear."

Please watch Ray's Memorial Video below and please feel free to share a remembrance or message of condolence with the family through this online guestbook.

Private family service will be held at a later date with Military Honors.