Raymond A. Hardisty

Raymond A. Hardisty, a lifelong Woodbury resident, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 19, 2026. Ray was born on March 25th 1935, in Sharon, CT to the late Chester and Estella Hardisty.

Ray attended Woodbury schools, during high school he worked part-time driving trucks and building the Stevenson Dam. That experience inspired him to start his own General Contracting business, which became remarkably successful and grew into a lifelong career. Ray enjoyed farming and raised cows, pigs, horses, and chickens. Ray was a passionate outdoorsman. He was happy spending time gardening and found joy feeding the fish, ducks, and birds at his pond. Ray was very involved in local Town meetings and was vocal about issues he believed in. He would not back down until there was nothing more he could do - sometimes he won, sometimes he lost, but never without a fight.

He enjoyed daily car rides through town, often stopping at local diners and restaurants to visit friends and catch up on Town news. Ray was a man of many stories, and he will be deeply missed by many.

Ray is survived by his companion, Janet Lawson, and his brother, John Hardisty, his seven children; sons Richard (Barbara) of Florida, Rollin of Florida, Russell of Woodbury Daryl of Southbury, daughters Deborah (Robert) Burns of Florida, Lisa Bennett of Bethlehem and Lynnette Hardisty of Oklahoma. He also leaves behind seventeen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Ray is predeceased by his son Raymond Jr, granddaughter Lucy Hardisty, sister Betty Peck and brothers Gary and Chester.

Calling hours will be held Thursday January 29, 2026 from 6 - 8 P.M. at Munson Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School St. Woodbury. Burial will take place on Friday January 30, 2026 at 11:30 A.M. at New North Cemetery, 87 Washington Ave., Woodbury.

For those friends who want to follow Ray on his last ride through Woodbury, the procession will be leaving the funeral home at 11 A.M. on Friday.

A celebration of Rays life will be held later this year.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com