Beryl E. Rayner, 89, of Killingworth, beloved husband of Elizabeth (Leonard) Rayner, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2015 at Yale New Haven Hospital. Beryl was born in Hartford on July 23, 1926 the son of the late Charles and Lottie (Brooks) Rayner. After his mother died, he (along with his three brothers) were raised under the loving care of foster parents William and Jennie Johnson.
Beryl joined the U.S. Navy in August1943 at the age of 17, was stationed on a Landing Support Craft and saw action in both the Atlantic and Pacific areas. He was present during the Invasion of Normandy, the Okinawa Campaign and part of the Occupation Forces of Tokyo, Japan. He was a former member of the Westbrook Elks, the Deep River Fire Department, the Deep River Horseshoe League and several Bowling Leagues. Very active in community affairs, he served on many organizations Board of Directors and as Treasurer. Always ready to lend a helping hand when needed, he was a well liked friend to everyone that knew him.
After retiring from C. J. Bates Co. in Chester as foreman of the shipping department, Beryl and his wife Betty spent several years as "snow birds" to Florida and enjoyed vacations to Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal and a cross country tour across the United States.
Beside his wife Betty, Beryl is survived by five children Kathy Gifford of Westbrook, James and Cheryl Rayner of Ivoryton, Cheryl and Timothy Kosky of Deep River, David Rayner of Chester and Lisa Early and Mike Tellier of Ledyard. Four stepchildren Mary Powell of Colchester, Harry and Barbara Darling of Clinton, Larry Darling of Colchester and Gary and Loraine Darling of Vermont. Brothers Robert and Charles Rayner, foster son Richard and Terry Layden, half sister Carol Johnson, 17 Grandchildren and 12 Great-Grandchildren.
Beryl was predeceased by his first wife Lucille (Weber) Rayner, his son Gary, his brother Bruce, foster brother Carl Johnson and his half brother Richard.
Calling hours will be at Swan Funeral Home in Old Saybrook on Thursday August 6th from 4 - 7 PM. Funeral services will be Friday 10 AM at the Deep River Congregational Church with internment immediately following at Fountain Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Beryl's memory to either the Deep River Fire Department, 57 Union Street, Deep River, CT 06417 or the Wounded Warriors Project, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
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