It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Raymond Collura on July 8th,  2024 in Naples, FL where he resided for the past 3 years. Raymond was born June 30th, 1958 in Brooklyn, NY.

Raymond is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Elaine. They have been blessed with four children: Elaina Hospodarek (Jay), Laurie Zimmer (Thomas), Albert DeMange (Christine), and Craig DeMange Jr.(Jackie). 

Raymond was a doting grandfather and took immense pride in each and every one of his grandchildren: Laurie Ann DeMorett (Phil), Robbie Purdy, Anthony Padro Jr. (Aimee), Angelina, Hailey, Julia, Alex, Theresa, Johnathan, Madi, Olivia, Haley, AJ, Anthony, Ava, Johnny, and Jacob. He also adored his great-grandchildren: Adysson, Ashlynn, Adam, and Anthony. Raymond is preceded in death by his brother Alfonso Collura and his mother Gloria Haak. He is survived by his brother Edward Haak (Gerrylynn), his niece SaylaLynn, and nephew Gerry. Raymond also leaves behind his sister Annie Haak, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and their respective children. He was loved dearly by his many friends, too numerous to list. 

In Park Slope, Raymond was known as Ray C or Collura, and to his friends' children, he was affectionately called Ray Ray and even Rainbow or Uncle Ray. Raymond was born and raised in Park Slope, Brooklyn, where he enjoyed playing various sports and was known as an all-around sportsman. He spent countless hours running around Prospect Park during his time in Brooklyn.  After more than 40 years, he moved to Belford, New Jersey, where he continued to make lifelong friends during his 20-year stay. Raymond's co-workers at Manhattan Properties at the textile building on 5th Ave NYC will fondly remember him as a doorman for over 30 years. He had the gift of conversation and could strike up a chat with anyone willing to listen. People from all over the country and even internationally, including celebrities, crossed his path, and he left a lasting impression on them all. Raymond's love for sports, current events, and his grandchildren was evident in his conversations. He took great joy in sharing stories about his grandchildren and seeing people's reactions when he mentioned how many grandchildren (21). He also had a passion for horse racing and frequented Monmouth Park whenever he had the chance. Raymond was a devoted fan of the Giants and a die-hard Yankees supporter as well as a big time Rangers Fan. He had a green thumb and found solace in gardening. Surprisingly, he also enjoyed doing laundry, especially folding clothes, finding it calming and soothing. Behind his tough exterior, Raymond had a softer and sweeter side. Although he could be stubborn and always had to be right, he was loved and adored by his family. He had a knack for making people laugh and was a big fan of rock & roll, particularly Q104.3. Even in his retirement years in Naples, he continued to engage in conversations with anyone who would listen, especially about sports and current events. Raymond cherished spending time with his grandchildren and made it a priority to be present in their lives. His love was taken away from us far too soon, and we were supposed to grow old together. I will deeply miss watching General Hospital with him, and we always shared a laugh whenever one of the kids would call right in the middle of an exciting scene. It seems that God has bigger plans for Raymond, and I find solace in knowing that he is at peace with his mother and brother Al. I will hold onto the memories of our fun times and laughter together, and I will continue to carry his love in my heart. Rest well, my love. You will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives you touched. This is not a goodbye, but rather a "See you down the road."

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