Raymond Leigh Sala

1949 - 2020

Raymond Leigh Sala, 70, of New Britain, passed away peacefully at the Hospital of Central Connecticut on Monday, December 30, 2019, after a long illness.

Beloved only child of Raymond Peter and Winnifred (Stairs) Sala, Raymond was born in Hartford on December 16, 1949, and was two years old when he moved to New Britain, where he graduated from Pulaski High School in 1968. He went on to attend classes at Northwestern Community College and then Central Connecticut State College, where he majored in history. In his later years he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Charter Oak State College. He married Gloria (Salvatore) Sala on June 20, 1971. He was employed at Cunningham Reporting Service as an office manager and was later self-employed with his wife, sub-contracting for the Niziankiewicz and Miller court reporting service.

Raymond was a faithful and humble member of the Berlin congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Baptized at age 20, he devoted the majority of his life to the preaching and teaching work, visiting local homes and sharing the good news of Jehovah's kingdom with residents. In his capacity as coordinator of the body of elders, he was untiring in his management of many tasks, giving talks, saying prayers, leading elders' meetings, and comforting the afflicted. He helped countless members of his local congregation and was turned to for guidance by many. He also served for many years on the Hospital Liaison Committee, educating and improving communication with doctors concerning bloodless surgery.

Raymond's interests included world events and sports. He was an avid Yankees, Giants, and UCONN basketball fan who attended games at the old Yankee stadium each year with his sons. His favorite travel destination was Prince Edward Island, Canada, where he vacationed with his family, staying in a cottage, grilling, walking on the beach, making bonfires, and taking in the beautiful sights. Most of all, Raymond will be remembered for his spirituality, his kind and mild personality, his practical intelligence, his work ethic, and his sense of humor. He was a gentle and caring husband, father, and grandfather. He will be dearly missed.

Raymond is survived by his beloved wife of over 48 years, Gloria Sala; his son, Timothy Raymond Sala and his wife, Lizabeth (Jackowitz) Sala; his son, Jonathan Leigh Sala; his grandson, Holden Williams-Sala; his uncle, Ronald Stairs and his wife, Nancy Stairs, along with many other relatives in Canada and Maine. Raymond was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Anthony Valentine Salvatore.
A memorial service will be held on January 11, 2020, at 1:30 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 234 Farmington Avenue, Berlin, CT.

Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com