Raymond B. Bethke, 97, of Wallingford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2015 at the Connecticut Hospice, Branford. He was the husband of Elvera Bianchi Bethke for seventy-three years. Raymond was born in New Haven on December 8, 1917; son of the late Benedict and Irene Walsh Bethke. He had worked as a welder for International Silver for many years until his retirement. Raymond enjoyed fishing, boating and collecting tractors. Grandfather of Alicia Tucker (Eric), Jessica Bethke, Benjamin Ambrose III(Christine) and Steven Ambrose. Father-in-law of Benjamin Ambrose, Jr. and Maureen (Bethke) Steiner. Great-Grandfather of Lillie and Levi Ambrose. Predeceased by a son Raymond L. Bethke, a daughter Leah B. Ambrose and a brother Joseph Bethke.
Funeral services will be conducted in the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Thursday morning at 11:15. Family and friends may call from 9:30 to 11:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the CT Hospice, Inc., 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.