Raymond Paul Zelazny husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather died peacefully at home on February 11, 2025. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 31, 1937. He was the son of the late John and Jane Zelazny. His brother John also predeceased him. His first wife Celia died in 2000 after 38 years of marriage.
He earned his master’s degree in education from Wayne State University and began his career in education at his alma mater. In 1969 he moved his family to New York City and continued his lifelong love of learning at NYU where he helped to develop and improve the adult continuing education program. He also spent time at The New York Institute of Interior Design and Queens College before he spent his last career years as a special education teacher in the NYC public school system.
Together with his wife Celia (Carreon) they built a log cabin in Sharon CT where the family spent weekends and summers. In his spare time he enjoyed music, playing the trumpet, reading, and tinkering. The basement was his workshop and it seemed there was always an invention/ work of art in progress.
He is survived by his wife Diane of 18 years; his daughter Gayle (Bob Marvin) grandchildren Ryan, (Jenna) (great grandchildren Emerson, Nathan, and Rowan) Nicole, and Sarah; his son Keith (Eileen) grandchildren Courtney, Cole, and Caitlynne; his sister Mary Tople and brother Paul (Lisa).
A mass of Christian burial took place on Saturday, February 22, at St. Charles Borromeo in Dover Plains, NY. He was laid to rest in St. Bridget’s Cemetery in Cornwall Bridge, CT in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation, 80 Washington Street, Suite 204, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 or online at https://www.hvhospice.org/donate-now/#Donate.
Arrangements are under the direction of Horn & Thomes, Inc Funeral Home, 83 East Main Street, Pawling, NY
