Raymond J Guttroff

Raymond J. Guttroff of Winhall, Vermont known as Ray to his friends and Opa to his grandsons passed away Friday February 4 in Dartmouth, NH surrounded by loving family. Born on April 6, 1936 and raised in Douglaston Manor, NY, the son of Harold and Mathilda Guttroff. Ray graduated from Iona College and lived in NYC for a time, but quickly realized his true calling would be in the mountains of southern Vermont. Ray started a newspaper called the The Country Squire and started Stratton Valley Land Development. He was joined by his younger brother, Bob, who partnered with him in building homes for rental and sale over the next fifty years. Ray served on the Town board of listers, was a Justice of the Peace and contributed to the Winhall community in many ways. Ray met his beloved wife Connie at Stratton Mountain and were married for 50 years. He had a love of the water and the mountains. He spent many days sailing and fishing on Long Island Sound and enjoying time in the Hamptons. He had a special connection to his house on Lake Bomoseen. He would be found many summer days on his porch or in his boat cruising the lake. He was a volunteer at Stratton Mountain as a Mountain Guide, ski instructor for local children for many years and was a member of the Trail Blazers. He also gave his time to the Stratton Foundation and was one of the original board members. He loved the “Men Who Cook” event at Stratton where he would always serve his chili. His grandsons always brought a smile to his face and he cherished them dearly. Ray is survived by his immediate family including his loving wife, Constance; son RJ, daughter-in-law, Kristin, daughter Julie Bilek, son-in-law, Robert and grandsons Georg, Gardner, Charlie and Benjamin; as well as countless friends he considered family. A funeral mass will be held at Chapel of the Snows Catholic Church in Stratton on Friday, February 18th at 1 p.m. Funeral arrangements are being made by Brewster Funeral Home. A reception at the Red Fox Inn will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: strattonfoundation.org