Raymond John Dolyak, age 83, of Stratford, the beloved husband of Kathleen Brennan Dolyak, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, in Saint Vincent’s Medical Center Bridgeport. He was born in Bridgeport on November 23, 1942, son of the late John and Anna Bepko Dolyak and has been a lifelong area resident.

Ray was a graduate of Stratford High School class of 1960. A patriotic man, Ray served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam era, where he was a member of the rifle team and worked with missile launch systems. His sense of duty and pride in service remained with him throughout his life.

He was a committed electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 488. He was known for his strong work ethic, steady hands and commitment to his craft.

He was a member of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of Saint John the Baptist in Bridgeport, where he was an officer and the VFW Post 9460.

Ray began his Masonic journey in April 1964 when he was raised in America St. John’s Lodge No. 8, A.F. & A. M. where he was the chaplain for many years.

Ray joined the Scottish Rite in the Valley of Bridgeport Lafayette Consistory in March 1994 and served for 32 years. He was awarded the MSA- Meritorious Service Award- in June 2006 and coronated with the 33° in August 2017 at the annual meeting in Buffalo, New York. Ray served as Property Manager and facilitated with the stage and props for all Valley Reunions with a meticulous eye for twenty plus years. He completed the 32° Masonic Passport Program in May 2018 and his Gold Passport in October 2023 – a proud accomplishment.

Ray joined the York Rite when he was exalted in Housatonic Chapter No.13 – Royal Arch Masons. He was greeted in Paugussett Council No.16 – Cryptic Masons and knighted in Hamilton Commandery No. 5 - Knights Templar.

Ray also enjoyed his membership in Pyramid Shrine No. 9 and the Legion of Honor which he proudly represented in many local parades and community activities.

Ray was a Senior DeMolay in the Bridgeport Chapter, Order of DeMolay. He later became a Dad and advisor working with and supporting young men during his Masonic career. He was indeed the Salt of the Earth in his personal, professional and Masonic career.

He enjoyed spending time golfing, skiing, duckpin bowling and fishing. Ray also found joy in participating in the Cruisin East Car Club, with his father’s classic 66 Cadillac.

Ray shared 53 loving years of marriage with his devoted wife, Kathleen Dolyak, together they built a life centered on faith, family, loyalty and enduring partnership. In addition, he is survived by daughter, Karen Dolyak of Stratford, a son, David Dolyak and his wife Virginie of Paris, France, a sister, Yolande Dolyak Kelly and her husband John and nephew, Sean Kelly all of Monroe, and a grand dog, Bailey, who was his furry companion.

Friends may greet the family on Tuesday, April 14th from 4-7 PM in the Adzima Funeral Home, 50 Paradise Green Place, Stratford. There will be a Panachida at 4:30 PM and a Masonic service at 6PM. A Requiem Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, April 15th at 10:00 a.m. in the Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church of St. John the Baptist 364 Mill Hill Avenue, Bridgeport. Interment with full military honors will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Stratford.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, those desiring may make a donation in Ray's memory, to the American Cancer Society using the link below.