Raymond McCuen
Raymond McCuen of East Quogue died at his home last Thursday, May 10. He was 61.
Born to Raymond and Doris Vavruska McCuen at Southampton Hospital, Mr. McCuen graduated from Westhampton Beach High School in 1969. He joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Hawkbill (SSN-666), an attack submarine. After completing his military tour, Mr. McCuen lived in San Diego for several years before returning to East Quogue, where he would remain for the rest of his life.
Mr. McCuen, whose nickname was “Mad Dog” because of his lively personality, worked for the Southampton Town Highway Department as a heavy equipment operator. He retired about five years ago. He was also a volunteer member of the East Quogue Fire Department for more than two decades before retiring.
According to survivors, Mr. McCuen was a wonderful guitarist on his Fender and an artist when it came to spackling and painting. He loved his cats and his Harley-Davidson. He also played a big role in the life of his nephew Peter McGrath Jr., survivors said.
“Mad Dog was a good and all-too-honest soul,” his sister Nancy McGrath said. “To say he loved the gift of gab is an understatement. Our world was a happier, funnier and kinder world with him in it because Mad Dog was genuine. He was the original ‘Everybody Loves Raymond.’”
Mr. McCuen is survived by his wife, Vivian, of East Quogue; a sister, Ms. McGrath and her husband Peter of Hampton Bays; and a brother, Richard and his wife Betsy, also of Hampton Bays. He is also survived by his nephews and nieces, Evelyn and Peter McGrath, and Amanda, Cassandra and Samantha McCuen.
Visitation took place on Tuesday, May 15, at the Follett & Werner Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach. East Quogue Fire Department members hosted a prayer service on Wednesday, May 16. A private cremation followed.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorial donations be made to Autism Speaks at www.autismspeaks.org.
on May 14, 2012