Rev. Raynor Wade Andersen

Rev. Raynor Wade Andersen, age 81 of Cheshire, entered into rest on Friday, November 21, 2025 at Hartford Hospital. He was the devoted husband of the late Karla (Scholz) Andersen for over 42 years. Raynor was born on May 25, 1944 in Saint Elizabeth, Manhattan, NY, son of the late Haakon Jarrel and Olive (Wade) Andersen.

Ray attended Columbia University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in English. His love of learning and exploration then took him to San Francisco for graduate studies. He went on to Philadelphia Divinity School where he received his Master of Divinity Degree. He began his ministry at Grace Church in Merchantville, New Jersey, where he served faithfully from 1970 to 1973. He later continued his work in Connecticut, contributing with heartfelt devotion to the CT Deaf Ministry before coming to St. Peter Episcopal Church in Cheshire. Rev. Raynor was an advocate for the deaf for many years, he volunteered for the CT Commission for the Deaf as an interpreter and also offered counseling services; he provided ministry services teaching religion at the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford.

Throughout his marriage to Karla, their shared love of dogs brought an estimated 35 canine companions into their lives, some even named after Raynor’s highest religion: golf. When he wasn’t spreading the “good word,” or watching Yankees or Giants games, he could often be found out on the golf green.

Raynor is the beloved father of William Andersen of Lewiston, ME; Debbie Andersen of Elizabeth, CO; John Simmon of Newington; Steven Simmon of Newington; and Jeff Simmon, and his wife Kelli of Glastonbury. He also leaves his cherished grandchildren Jocelyn Contant and Johnny, Jack and Jenna Simmon; and his brothers, Paul (Ana) Andersen of Long Island, NY and David (Alice) Andersen of Stamford.

Funeral Services for Raynor will be private and at the convenience of his family. Memorial contributions may be made to either Aussie Rescue and Placement Helpline Inc. at www.aussierescue.org/Donate or Glen Highland Farm Border Collie Rescue at www.glenhighlandfarm.com/donation. To leave online condolences for his family, please visit www.fordfh.com