Raymond Elliott Longden II, 94, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born on August 9, 1929, in Bridgeport, the only child of the late Raymond Elliott Longden and Mary Farrell Longden, Ray had a genuine passion for life and learning. Friends and family often referred to him as a true gentleman. He possessed a unique charm, a quick and clever wit, and a love of language as evidenced by his sparkling personality.

Ray attended Fairfield College Preparatory School, and in 1951, earned a Bachelor of Social Science as a member of the very first graduating class of Fairfield University. Ray was an extremely active alumnus with his alma maters, rarely missing Fairfield Prep's annual Latin Scholar luncheon and celebrating Fairfield University's 75th Anniversary in May of 2017. Ray graduated from St. John's Law School in 1954, and after serving in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957, he embarked upon a successful career in business in New York City. As one of the first members of the commuter committee for Metro North Railroad, he worked to make commuter trains more efficient and more comfortable, adding heating and air conditioning. Another helpful addition known as the bar car came later, and Ray was able to enjoy many trips home with fellow commuters in his forty years on the train.

As a dedicated veteran, Ray was a true patriot. A lifelong member of the American Legion 74, Ray had a deep respect and admiration for those who devoted their lives to service. He looked forward to kicking off Fairfield's Memorial Day Parade every year, driving the Grand Marshall down the Old Post Road to the viewing stand in his cherished 1949 Willy's Jeepster. On the weekends, you could find Ray enjoying his true passion as a football official. Ray's refereeing career spanned sixty-five years, culminating in his 2003 induction into the Guinness Book of World Records, having refereed more than 2,000 games in his lifetime. He served as President of the Connecticut Football Officials Association and President of The Fairfield County Officials Association.

A lifelong Catholic, Ray was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Fairfield. Among other passions, he loved history, fine dining, music and the arts. He loved to fly, piloted small planes in his younger years and enjoyed attending Quiet Birdmen meetings. He loved living by the beach in Fairfield with his family and spending summers on the harbor as a member of The Black Rock Yacht Club. He was also a proud member of the Elks Club and the Gaelic-American Club.

In his retirement years, Ray loved to be at his home in Jupiter, Florida. He often said being "under the swaying palm trees," was his favorite place in the world. Both Ray and his wife Marilyn built a beautiful life in Florida with friends who cherished and adored them.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn of fifty-nine years, his daughters Christina Longden and Sarah Longden Ulc, his son-in-law Kenneth Ulc, all of Fairfield, and many beloved cousins from the Farrell and Toomey Clans. His family would like to thank his devoted caregivers, Claudia Monjoie and Jennifer Britton for their extraordinary care, patience, and love.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday June 15, 2024 at 11:00am at Egan Chapel on the campus of Fairfield University and a reception at the Barone Campus Center immediately following. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Raymond's name may be made in his honor to The Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Fairfield University or Tunnel to Towers Foundation. To send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com

The Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield CT 06824

Tunnel to Towers Foundation
2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island NY 10306
Web: https://t2t.org/