Raymond H. Hansen

Ray was born in Franklin Square, New York on January 18, 1955 to Grace and Harry Hansen and died peacefully, surrounded by is family at Good Shepard Hospice in Port Jefferson on October 20, 2015.

Ray is survived by his wife, Merilea, his daughter, Kaitlyn Grace and her fiancé Joe DeBlase; his brother Tom and his wife Linda; his sister Susan and her partner Marge Drew; and his good friend, Susan Bach. He also leaves his loving nieces and nephews, Sten, Rebecca and Chris and his animal children, Frankie, Duchess, Ducky, Willy, Fred and Canoli.

Ray also leaves a new-found family who captured his heart this past year, Dottie and Don Miller / Long and their children Donald, Patrick and Samantha.

Ray grew up in Fort Salonga and graduated from Kings Park High School in 1973. Ray proudly served in the US Navy aboard the USS John F. Kennedy as a Petty officer Second Class taking part in the Multinational Force patrolling the Mediterranean during the unrest in Beirut. Ray relished the fact that the John F. Kennedy was classified as a S-3 Viking! Ray was a master carpenter and tradesman, working throughout Long Island and New York City, as well as regular remodels of his own home. He took special pride in his contribution to renovations of the Twin Towers, working along side his father Harry and brother, Tom.

An avid boater, Ray was most relaxed when he was skippering his boat on the waters around Long Island. His most recent joy was becoming a ‘human canvas’ for some of the most beautiful tattoo art imaginable that captured his past as well as his loves, hopes and dreams.

Ray was a humble and modest man, with piercing blue eyes, a handsome face and an easy smile. He was smarter than he knew, and was loved more than he could fathom. He had a laid back way, unless he felt the need to protect someone that he cared about (then, he was a pit bull), especially when it came to his daughter, Kaitlyn. His dry wit and easy way stayed with him to the very end. If you’ve ever viewed Ray’s Facebook posts or had even a brief conversation, you would know that Ray’s love for his country was only surpassed by his love for his family and friends, especially, his daughter Kaitlyn, whose strength, with and wisdom continued to awe, comfort and inspire him up to the moment of his passing. They were one another’s champions and best friends.

Our family would like to thank all of you who have supported for Ray during his illness, and the amazing staff of Good Shepard Hospice for guiding Ray and supporting our family through this life-altering process. Please consider making a donation to help support their fine work. We also encourage you to make a donation in Ray’s memory to a Veteran related charity of your choice.
“To all my family and friends
I just wanted to tell you
I love you
Because yesterday is gone, today is
Almost over
And tomorrow isn’t
Promised.”
(A recent Facebook post from Ray)