Raymond W. Elling 94, passed away peacefully April 14, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.
Born Dec. 4, 1924, in the Bronx, New York, he moved with his family to Brooklyn, New York, in his teens. As a young man, he was an accomplished photographer. In 1941, at age 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Seabees. He served in Okinawa as a pharmacist’s mate, 2nd class, for three years during World War II.
Ray worked for 20 years as a New York City corrections officer in Kings County Hospital. Upon his retirement in 1972, he and wife Josephine moved the family to Great Barrington and opened a bed B&B that they ran for 27 years. During this time he was an estate manager for 18 years. He was an avid oriental carpet collector and loved repairing and refinishing antiques. He was also a member of the Great Barrington Historical Society. Ray will be remembered as a happy person who generously shared with others his home and his love of life.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Josephine; four sons: Raymond, Steven, Gene and John and their wives; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends Friday, April 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME in Great Barrington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to his family please go to www.finnertyandstevens.com.
