Raymond "Ray" Michael Gola

Raymond “Ray” Gola, 79, of Kensington, husband of Karen (Lennehan) Gola, passed away on August 17, 2026.

Born in New Britain, CT, he was the son of the late Joseph and Emma (Mandl) Gola. Ray was a lifelong resident of Berlin and proudly served in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he dedicated many years to the Berlin Police Department, retiring as a detective. After retirement, he worked as a land surveyor. Ray was an active member of the Italian Independent Political Club in Berlin. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, caring for his yard, and, most importantly, spending time with his family.

Ray is survived by and will be greatly missed by his wife for 56 years, Karen Gola; his son, Joseph Gola and his wife Yu-Chieh Gola of Ridgefield, CT; his grandchildren, Amber and Darren Gola; his sister, Catherine Kurpiewski of Newington; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services with military honors will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 6 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin, 111 Chamberlain Hwy., Berlin. Calling hours will be held from 4 PM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Veterans Affairs Administration (https://portal.ct.gov/dva/donations), or to a veteran’s organization of your choice.