Reader: Ray Jacobs Dedicated Life to Family, Recreation, Community

To the Editor:

The end of an era in Middletown came to an abrupt end on March 10, when Raymond “Ray” Jacobs, the Superintendent of Recreation for the City of Middletown, suddenly passed away. Ray was a lifelong resident of Middletown, choosing to live and work in the city he was born in. Ray grew up in the Santangelo Circle, Daddario, Rogers Road and Snow School area.

Ray was a dedicated family man and loved his wife Norma, and sons Brent and Shane. He dedicated himself not only to them, but to his community as well. He also leaves two sister, Cindy Jacobs Fernandez of Middletown, and Patricia Selinsky of East Haddam, and many close friends. Ray is predeceased by his father Vernon “Jake” L. Jacobs, and survived by his mother Mary Ann (Whitley) Jacobs.

I first met Ray back in the 1970s while participating in the adult sports leagues Middletown sponsored. At 16, his love of sports, which he acquired from his father Jake, took hold of him.

He began working part-time for the recreation department under legendary sports guru, Stanley “Charlie Winner’s” Wiernaz. Charlie took Ray under his wing, and showed him the how’s and why’s of running the softball, football, basketball, volleyball, and whatever leagues Middletown sponsored at the time.

Bernie O’Rourke was the director of the throughout Ray’s early years. Also working as a Recreational Supervisor for Bernie at the time and helping tutor Ray was Detroit “D” Hunter. Working with these guys may be when Ray began his intense support for the University of Connecticut’s sports programs.

Ray attended Middletown public schools, graduating from Woodrow Wilson Middle School, and then Xavier High School in Middletown. He enjoyed working with people in recreational activities so much, that he decided to make it his career and attended Georgia Southern College, graduating on the dean’s list in 1983 with a bachelor of science degree in Parks & Recreation Administration.

Ray worked at as the recreational activities coordinator after graduating college. A recreational position opened up in the city in 1985 and then hired Ray as the evening Recreation Supervisor. Ray transferred to the daytime Recreational Supervisor’s position in 1987.

Over his 26-year city career, Ray held several various positions to assist with the department's operation. He worked under three Parks & Recreation directors; the late Bernie O’Rourke, then Wesley Downing, and present Director Raymond Santosefano. Ray Jacobs was promoted to his present position of Superintendent of Recreation by Mayor Sebastian Giuliano in 2006.

I worked with Ray for his entire city of Middletown career, and in all that time, I can honestly say there was never a harsh word between us. Ray was a good person, who will be sorely missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and this community. He really cared about people, and his actions proved it.

Middletown and UConn have lost one of their premier supporters and fans. Give him a good front seat at the games, please. God bless and goodbye, my friend.

John Milardo, Middletown Parks superintendent and Middletown Managers & Professionals Association president