Raymond F. Truncellito

Raymond Francis Truncellito, 96, of Manchester, NH, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 29, 2025.

Ray grew up in North Bergen, NJ, the son of James and Mary Agresta Truncellito. He was academically gifted and graduated high school at age 16, setting high standards for himself that would continue throughout his life. He also excelled in sports and was a star lineman for the Union Hill H.S. football team, which won the Hudson County Championship his senior year. His academic and football prowess continued at Dartmouth College where he graduated in 1949 with a double major in Physics and History. Ray immersed himself in campus life and was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, joined the German and Italian clubs, and was a member of Green Key and the Cask and Gauntlet. His notable football achievements included playing in the 1948 Blue/Grey Game, the 1949 Eastern All-Stars game vs the New York Giants, and receiving numerous invitations to tryout for NFL teams at that time. He reflected on his Dartmouth experience as the “place where I truly learned how to learn” and he bled Green his entire life. In addition, Ray continued with his education at Columbia University Teachers College, earning a master’s degree in 1951.

While he was in Hanover, he met the love of his life Barbara E. McEwen, who he affectionately called “Bubbles,” where she was obtaining her degree in Nursing at the Mary Hitchcock Hospital. He always said that she was the greatest support person he could have ever had.

After graduation, he became an assistant football coach on the Dartmouth Football staff under Tuss McLaughry and Bob Blackman. His coaching career was interrupted by a call to duty in the Korean War and he enrolled in the Army. He was stationed at Fort Bliss and was the base athletic director as well as head football coach. In later years, he would found the NH Pop Warner football organization and the NH Chapter of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Ray and Barbara were married in 1952 and eventually moved to Manchester, where they had five children, and he began a career in the insurance business. He was a principal in Truncellito and Davis Insurance and was a registered agent for over 70 years. He was a Chartered Financial Consultant, Charter Life Underwriter and recipient of numerous industry awards during his decades in the business. He believed in building community, and he dedicated much of his time to local organizations; he served as President and Trustee of the Manchester Boys and Girls Club, President of the NH Chapter for Children with Learning Disabilities, President and board member of the Manchester Exchange Club, and Chairman of the Board of Easterseals NH. He also served on the Board of Catholic Charities NH and led fundraising campaigns for United Way. Ray was recognized as Citizen of the Year in 1988 by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he was a Trustee and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Southern New Hampshire University for over 50 years; in 1990, SNHU presented him with an honorary Doctor of Law. Additionally, Ray was also awarded with the prestigious Dartmouth Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award.

Faith was an integral part of his life. Ray was a longtime member of St. Catherine’s Parish; he loved to sing and was a member of the choir there for many years. He was also selected to be in the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre whose members must dedicate themselves to their local community, including charitable efforts and service. He cared very much for the wellbeing of everyone.

He devoted his time in so many ways, but his family and friends were always a priority. Spending time with him was wonderful, whether it was during Sunday dinners, telling stories and sitting on the deck, playing cards, practicing Italian and German, planting begonias, or discussing history. He made everyone feel special and loved. It brought him great joy to cheer for his family members at their sporting events or their performances on the stage.

Ray was predeceased by his parents, James and Mary, his in-laws Harold and Marion McEwen, his loving wife Barbara, son John, brothers Joseph and Vincent, sister and brother-in-law Raymond and Antoinette Rinaldi, niece Marguerite (Attanasie) and niece Barbara (Truncellito).

He is survived by his children, James and wife Lynda (Lachance) of Bedford, Jane Clayton and partner Jennifer Briggs of Hampton, Scott and partner Andrea Stergiou of North Hampton and Steve and partner Jim Burrell of Scarborough, Maine; ten grandchildren, Kristen (Patrick), Tim (Rachel), Nathan (Lauren), Jason (Megan), Missy (Andy), Max, Lauren (Tracy), Liza, William, and Tess; nine great-grandchildren, Margaret, Addie, Emy, Ellie, Mia, Nico, Gio, Rocco, Ava; his sister-in-law Eileen (Truncellito) and several nieces.

SERVICES: Calling hours are on Monday (5/12) from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday (5/13) at 10 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Webster Street, Manchester.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to Senior Services Easterseals NH, Attn: Development Department, 555 Auburn St., Manchester, NH 03103, or to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Manchester at https://bgcgm.org/donate/