Raymond S. Voccola, age 80, beloved husband of 56 years to Margaret Mezick Voccola, of Stratford, passed away on Monday December 3, 2007. Born in Bridgeport on December 13, 1926, he was the son of the late Anthony and Romana Delia Voccola. He was a graduate of Harding High School and Bullard Havens Technical School. A WW # II veteran, he served in Germany with the first occupation troops in the infantry division and the 184th Ordinance Depot Company. He was the owner of Raymond S. Voccola Plumbing and Heating for over thirty years, during which time his two sons Alec and Ray worked with him. Ray was best known for his public service to the town of Stratford where he holds the distinction of being the longest serving councilman in town history, having served 26 years representing the 5th District. During that time he served on every Town Council committee. His proudest achievements were during his terms as Chairman of the School and General Building Needs Committees. Under his direction the following projects were completed: Flood Junior High School, Oronoque Firehouse, Board of Education building, Baldwin Center, Town Garage, and the Stratford Library. Ray was past chairman and member of the Stratford Democratic Town Committee. He was also founder and chairman of the Stratford United Democrats. He helped construct the Boothe Park Train Museum. He was honored last year with the dedication of the Raymond S. Voccola Gateway to Clover Field in Stratford. Ray was a member of the Holy Name of Jesus Mens Society, a past Vice-President of the Bridgeport chapter of UNICO, member of the State Plumbing Board of Examiners, member of Union Local # 777, and recently was Vice-President of his son's company, Voccola Home Builders. Ray took great pride in his family, In addition to his wife he is survived by two sons and 5 grandchildren, Alec and his wife Laurie and their children Alec, Brett and Chelsea Voccola; and Ray Voccola and his wife Sarah and their children Chloe Ray and Kyra Voccola, all of Stratford. He is also survived by two sisters, Grace Voccola Vitale of Stratford and Edith Baldyga and her husband Joe of Florida; sister-in-law Catherine Voccola, and brother-in-law Joseph W. Mezick as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by seven brothers and sisters, Tom, Tony, Harry, Eddie, Delia Voccola and Helen Voccola Romano and most recently by his youngest and closest brother, Johnny Voccola. He enjoyed showcasing Marge's cooking and loved having his cherished friends over for dinner and laughs. The family wishes to thank the staff of Bridgeport Hospital Emergency Room, Surgical ICU and Luscomb 10. A special thanks to Dr. David Jutkowitz for his care and compassion. Funeral services will take place on Thursday December 6th at 9 a.m. in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford, and at 10 a.m. in Holy Name of Jesus Church Stratford for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment with full military honors will be in St. John's Cemetery Stratford. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers those desiring may make donations to Sisters of Sts. Cyril and Methodious c/o Holy Name of Jesus Convent 2 Mary Ave Stratford, CT. 06614 or to Connecticut Children's Medical Center c/o P.O. Alec Voccola 900 Longbrook Ave Stratford, CT. 06614