Raymond Carolonza

Raymond J. Carolonza, 81, of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Visiting will be held in the Dancy Funeral Home, 9 Smull Avenue, Caldwell, NJ, from 2 to 5 PM on Sunday, August 30, 2026. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Notre Dame Church in North Caldwell at 11 AM on Monday, August 31. Interment will follow at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.

Raymond was the beloved son of Constance Carolonza and Frederick Pittera and was raised by his loving father, Joseph Carolonza. He was always incredibly proud of his roots in Orange and West Orange, New Jersey, and carried the values he learned there with him throughout his life.

Raymond attended Seton Hall Prep, where he excelled in football. His love for the Prep remained with him throughout his entire life, and he was recently honored with induction into the Seton Hall Prep Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 1963. This was an honor that meant the world to Raymond. Although he will not be there to accept this honor himself, his family will proudly accept it in his memory.

At the age of 19, Raymond proudly answered the call to serve his country in the United States Navy, where he served during the Vietnam War. He later continued his military service in the United States Army Reserve. His years of service reflected so many of the qualities that would define him throughout his life—courage, discipline, loyalty, strength, honor, and an instinct to protect others.

Following his military service, Raymond built a distinguished career as an Orange police officer and detective. Drawing upon the skills and discipline he developed in the military, he became an accomplished sharpshooter. Over the years, Raymond traveled extensively throughout the country competing in shooting competitions and was honored with the prestigious President’s Hundred Award, an achievement that held great meaning for him.

Raymond also possessed a strong entrepreneurial spirit. His accomplishments included building a successful shooting range and police uniform store, followed by a career in the security business with Executive Security. Whether serving his country, protecting his community, competing at the highest level, or building his own businesses, Raymond approached life with determination and strength.

Above all else, Raymond’s greatest joy was his family.

He was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, and grandfather, and a major influence and role model in the lives of those he loved. Raymond believed deeply in protecting and providing for his family. They were always at the center of his world, and the lessons, traditions, stories, and love he gave them will continue for generations.

Raymond’s stories were truly one of the best parts of who he was. He could tell a story like no one else, bringing the people, places, and moments of his life back to life for everyone listening. Whether they were stories from his younger years, Seton Hall Prep, his military service, his years on the police force, his travels, or simply the adventures of a life well lived, they were unmistakably Raymond. Some made you laugh no matter how many times you had heard them, and somehow they only got better with every telling. Those stories became part of the fabric of his family and will be told, retold, laughed over, and passed down for generations. In that way, Raymond’s voice will always remain with us.

His wife, Joanne, was his life partner, his rock, and the love by his side. Together, they built an unbreakable bond that became the foundation of their entire family. She was the heart of their home and a devoted wife whose love, strength, and commitment helped shape their families lives. Her unwavering dedication to him throughout his illness was a testament to the depth of their love, and she is deeply loved and respected by their children for all she gave to their father.

Raymond was the devoted father of Alecia, Kimberly, and Joseph, whom he shared with their mother, Maria Carolonza.

His daughter Alecia Marzullo, married to Tommy Marzullo, and their children Tommy, Alexa, and Alana.

His daughter Kimberly Reynolds, married to Robert Reynolds, and their son Dominic.

His son Joseph Carolonza and Fiancé Athanssios Haralambipoulos.

He was also a loving stepfather to:

Jason Miskiewicz, married to Lauren Miskiewicz, and their children Tyler, Trevor, Jack, and Issy.

Joseph Perruso , married to Kelley Perruso and their sons Jayden and Jaxon.

Jamie Padula, married to Greg Padula, and their son Rocco.

Raymond was an immensely proud grandfather to his 11 grandchildren. He had a unique and special bond with each and every one of them and took great pride in being an active and devoted presence in their lives. He celebrated their accomplishments, supported their academic achievements, and was always there cheering them on in their athletic pursuits. Each of his grandchildren knew how deeply their grandfather loved them, and they will forever carry the warmth of that love in their hearts.

One of Raymond’s greatest wishes was to see a grandchild attend Seton Hall Prep, a place that had meant so much to him throughout his life. That wish was fulfilled when his grandson Dominic followed in his footsteps at the Prep. Raymond spent those four years enjoying every moment of Dominic’s journey, creating memories that brought him tremendous pride and joy.

Raymond was also fortunate to be part of a large and close extended family. His brothers include Doug Pittera and his wife, Cheryl; Joseph Pittera and his wife, Cathy; Frederick Tuck and his family; and Andrew Pittera.

Family and summers went hand in hand for Raymond. He shared many beautiful, Hallmark-like summers in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, surrounded by his many cousins and extended family—filled with laughter, stories, and the simple moments that become some of life’s greatest memories.

When Raymond had children of his own, he brought Alecia, Kimberly, and Joseph to Connecticut so they, too, could experience the life he had loved so much. As children, they were able to live a piece of their father’s dream, surrounded by cousins, laughter, and life by the shore. In sharing Old Saybrook with his children, Raymond gave them a part of his own childhood and traditions they would carry with them for the rest of their lives.

He was equally fortunate to have a large Carolonza family in New Jersey, where he shared many more special times with those he loved. The bonds he shared with his Connecticut cousins and his Carolonza family in New Jersey remained an important part of his life.

Raymond’s presence was felt and appreciated by so many. He was rarely seen without his beloved Vietnam veteran hat, which he wore with great pride as a reflection of his service to his country and an important chapter of the life he lived.

Those who knew Raymond knew his unmistakable personality, his sense of humor, his loyalty, and the fierce love he had for those closest to him. He was strong when others needed strength, protective when someone he loved needed protecting, and loyal in a way that could never be questioned.

His life was defined by courage, loyalty, strength, and an unwavering love for those he called family. The impact he made will live far beyond his years—in the lives he touched, the people he protected, and the memories that will forever carry his name.

Though our hearts are heavy, we will remember him not for the way he left us, but for the extraordinary way he lived. His strength will remain with us, his love will surround us, and his legacy will never be forgotten.

Fair winds and following seas. Until we meet again.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at dancyfuneralhome.com.