A Native of Torrington, Ray, attended Torrington High School, where he played 4 years of football and participated on several other high school and local sports teams . Ray was awarded the Varsity Alumni Club Award for football in his senior year. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy and retired as Master Chief Petty Officer after serving for more than 30 years, completing various tours at sea and shore commands including Command Master Chief at Naval Submarine Base, New London. He started officiating career at age 13 working Little League Baseball games and continued as a sports official, ending all on field/court officiating in March of 2011. He began with the Eastern Association of Approved Football Officials in 1983 and maintained continuous membership until 2011. Prior to that time, he worked many years of Youth Football and Sub Base Touch League before joining the Eastern Board. He worked a full football schedule at the varsity level since 1993 including 12 playoff games at 4 different positions. In addition to high school football has worked in the New England Prep School League, New England Football League and Yankee Collegiate Football Conference. As a member of the Eastern Board he was actively involved on various committees and has presented professional development lessons at the local and state level. He completed his active football officiating career as the Referee at the CIAC Class S Championship Game in December 2010. Ray was honored by the Eastern Board with its Distinguished Service Award in 2001 and by the Southeastern Connecticut Chapter National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame in 2011 with its Officials Award. He currently works as a Clock/ Scoreboard Operator at various colleges.