By Philip R. Devlin
(September 6, 2026) —Ray Churchill began his teaching career at the old Haddam Junior High School in 1963. When Haddam-Killingworth High School opened in 1974, Ray taught music there for many years before transitioning back to the HK Middle School, eventually retiring from District 17 in 1995. His death earlier this week in Arizona at age 89 has caused former colleagues and students to reflect on the big impact that he had at the school.
Former HK music teacher, Nancy Tozzo, who visited Ray in Arizona several months ago, had this to say about her beloved colleague: “I had the pleasure of teaching with Ray from 1982 to when he retired in 1995. That’s only 13 years you might say; however, we packed more than 13 years’ worth of memories during that time. He was a perfect colleague to work with— a great music teacher, musician, family man, and most of all, a friend.”
Echoing a common sentiment felt by virtually everyone who knew Ray, retired teacher and coach Mike Kish called him “a perfect gentleman.” Former student, HKHS graduate (Class of 1979), and very talented vocalist, Stacey (Schinas) Grimaldi, called her former choral teacher “a very influential person in my life.”
Recently retired HKHS math teacher and coach, Wendy Adamczyk, said this about Ray: “I have wonderfully fond memories of Ray. He was a colleague of mine at Haddam Killingworth High School, and I always enjoyed his upbeat and positive energy. I also remember some super fun nights out at the Griswold Inn when he was singing and playing the piano…so much fun.”
Former HK principal Rich Carmelich wrote the following about Ray Churchill: “Such a great guy. My very first day as principal at H-K, Ray came in, and we had a long talk. He shared his experiences with the kids and staff. He provided me with an initial understanding of the culture of the school.”
Fellow music teacher and close friend, Tim D’Amato had this remembrance of Ray: “I had the pleasure of working alongside Ray for nine years during the early days of my teaching career. He was an exceptional role model who brought immense positive energy to our students. I will always cherish my memories of working with him.”
From longtime friend and colleague Dick Dupuis: “I first met Ray, as he would pick me up from Moodus, where I lived at the time, to Haddam Junior High, allowing my wife to keep our family car. We chatted on the way, comparing various roads to take once going across the bridge. Our journey was filled with stories that amazed me at the time. Not only was he a teacher, a choir director, he also played the organ at the local church and, during Christmastime, he sold organs from a store in Hartford. He did all of this to support his family. He told me about playing with a group at a nightclub (now a restaurant, Lakeside in East Hampton) and how the change in musical styles caused him to seek playing in a different environment. I remember going to Griswold to hear “fingers” enter the public. I enjoyed hearing stories from some of the teachers at Haddam Junior High about his going from school to school to teach music, joking that he had to carry a piano with him. On occasion he sat in on the “infamous” weekly setback card game. I admired Ray as a man, a father and a friend.”
