C. Raymond Ekwall, age 97 of Stratford passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Benchmark Senior Living at Split Rock. He was the devoted husband of 68 years to Shirley Wilson Ekwall. Born in Bridgeport on September 30, 1919 he was the son of the late Carl and Esther Swanson Ekwall. Mr. Ekwall graduated Yale University Class of 1941. He was a chemical engineer at Uniroyal Co. for over 35 years and was then a consultant for the Sartomer Co. in Stratford. Ray was very active at the Stratford United Methodist Church where he was the finance chairman for many years as well chairman of the administrative council, along with several other roles. He also helped start the Stratford YMCA and served as chairman of both the Stratford Red Cross and the Stratford YMCA. He was an avid golfer, paddleball and racquetball player and former member of Yale Golf Club. Ray was proud to have donated over 23 gallons of blood to the Red Cross over the years. In addition to his beloved wife Shirley, he is survived by his son Glenn Ekwall of West Chicago, IL and his grandchildren; Justin Ekwall and his wife Michelle of Sheridan, Montana and Ashley Regnas and her husband Morgan of West Chicago, IL. He is also survived by his loving great grandchildren; Theodore Ekwall, Piper Regnas and Jonathan Ekwall. He was predeceased by his daughter in-law Della Ekwall last year. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 11:00 am at Stratford United Methodist Church with Rev. Simeon Law officiating. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may greet the family on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 from 4 to 7 pm at the Dennis & D'Arcy – Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home, 2611 Main Street, Stratford. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Stratford United Methodist Church, 2600 Main Street, Stratford, 06615. For online condolences please visit Dennis & D'Arcy Funeral Home