Raymond M. Petrillo
Raymond M. Petrillo, age 73, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 24th, 2023, at Salmaniya Hospital in Manama, Bahrain surrounded by his loving friends and colleagues. He was born on December 18, 1949, in Kessel-Lo Belgium, a borough of Leuven, to Michael and Mathilde (Ruelens) Petrillo. He graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in political science and went on to receive a master's in international politics from Lesley University, a Masters in ESL from the University of Arizona, and an MBA from the prodigious University of Hull in the UK.
Ray spent most of his adult life working and travelling abroad as an ESL teacher in Brazil, Europe, and Saudi Arabia. He occupied numerous executive level teaching positions with Saudi Aramco for the past twenty-three years and most recently was a senior instructor for the American Cultural and Educational Center in Manama, Bahrain.
Ray had a quick wit and a sharp sense of humor that was so uniquely his own. He could always make you laugh, and sometimes annoy the hell out of you. There was never a moment when he was not pushing boundaries, seeking adventure, or learning something new as was his nature from a very young age. From taking apart things to learn how they worked as a kid, becoming proficient in multiple languages, earning advanced degrees to travelling and exploring the people and cultures of the world - Raymond was a true pathfinder and intellectual.
He will be remembered for his love of tasty food, desserts, sports, fine art, military history, music and discussing geo-politics with anyone who would listen. Or the ways he was always there for you with a warm heart and kind reassuring words. We will forever remember him as a wellspring of creative energy, curiosity, honesty, and boundless love.
These words cannot possibly sum up the life of such a unique individual, but it is a glimpse into knowing him. He is survived by his brother Michael (Regina), several nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends and colleagues from all over the world. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, grandparents and many aunts and uncles, to whom he has now returned.
Perhaps these words serve as a final gift he can give us all... A beautiful perspective on having a life well lived. Certainly, he has accomplished everything he wished for in his seventy-three incredible years. Even though his time here was cut short, no doubt he is still inspiring us all and will continue to do so for years to come. He is the kind of soul that stays with you forever.
Friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at the Church of the Assumption, 61 North Cliff Street, Ansonia CT on Thursday, November 9th at 10:00 AM. Interment will immediately follow in Mount Saint Peter's Cemetery in Derby. The family extends their sincere appreciation to all of Ray's friends and colleagues for their sympathy and especially Rajesh Bodani and Zaeem Noor who never left his side at the hospital and David Nour who flew all the way from Thailand to be with him. True friendship and love always shines brightest during times of profound adversity.