Raymond J. Negro, Sr. (84) of Ellington, formerly Bolton, passed away peacefully on July 9 with his wife Maureen by his side. They were married just shy of 63 years. Before recently moving to Ellington, Ray lived in Bolton his whole life where his first job was that of a farmer; he grew up on a 100 acre farm. Most recently, he had a successful career as a salesman for Scranton Motors in Vernon and prior to that, he owned and operated Bolton Lake Hotel and Bolton Dairy. He was also active in local politics, serving as Town Selectman, '69-'71. Ray and Maureen enjoyed many years at their second home in Sanibel Island, FL. He was a great cook, he loved to fish, watch the Yankees, and visit with his friends at the local coffee shop. Most of all, he loved to host family gatherings with Maureen where there was always an abundance of food and laughter and memories that will be cherished. Besides his wife Maureen (Sullivan), Ray leaves behind his three daughters, Deborah Shemo and her husband John of South Windsor, their two children Damon and his wife Michele of Tolland, and Kyle and his wife Kara of Wethersfield; Julie Reed and her husband Chris of Collinsville; Susan and her fiancée Shaun Green of Andover, MA; his late son R.J., formerly of Avon, and his two children Sydney and Joshua and their mother Lena N. Sidoti of Simsbury; and four great grandchildren Caleb, Aubrie, Landon and Ryder. Besides his son, Ray was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Leontina (Plano) Negro and his brother Gilbert Negro. Ray also leaves his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jack and Carol Sullivan, Judy Sullivan, Timothy and Linda Sullivan, Dennis and Tracey Sullivan, and Dail Negro as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. Raymond's family would like to offer a special note of thanks to Dr. Patrick A. Ott and the staff of the Melanoma Disease Center at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for their wonderful care, and to the VNHSC Hospice Team for their wonderful assistance in Ray's last few days. Visiting Hours are from 4:00PM to 6:00PM on Friday, July 15th at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St. Manchester. Service and interment is at Bolton Center Cemetery on Saturday, July 16th at 10:30AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift or any cancer charity of your choice. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com