Raymond Joseph Garlick

Raymond J. Garlick, 78, of Wakefield, RI died unexpectedly on March 6, 2024 while vacationing on Anguilla with his beloved wife Kathleen (Drennan) Garlick. Ray and Kathy were married for 34 years and every day was an adventure.

Ray was born in South Kingstown on November 16, 1945 to the late Raymond and Mary Anna (StAmand) Garlick.

After graduating from South Kingstown High School, Ray enlisted in the US Air Force. He was stationed in Roswell New Mexico, Grand Forks North Dakota as well as a tour of duty in Vietnam (1966-1967). After his discharge from the Air Force Ray returned to South County and was hired by the Narragansett Police department. Ray served on the police department for 25 years retiring as a sergeant in 1993. In retirement Ray worked at Kenport Marina and went fishing as much as possible.

Ray loved being outdoors hunting and fishing with friends and family. He especially loved spending hours on Point Judith Pond in his boat. Over the years Ray’s constant companions were his beloved dogs Shadow, Hannah, Katie, Vivian and his newest best friend Cisco.

Spending time with his precious grandchildren, nieces and nephews was very important to him. “Gampy/Uncle Ray” was always up for some type of exploration, games, and other shenanigans.

In June 2023 Ray was able to fulfill a dream, he was one of the veterans on Honor Flight Freedom to our nation’s war memorials in Washington DC. Ray described this day as one of his best, he felt that he had finally been welcomed home as a war veteran.

Ray’s favorite places included Maine, New Mexico, USVI and Anguilla. It is especially fitting that his last days were in a Caribbean paradise with the love of his life.

Along with his wife Ray is survived by his sons, Kevin Garlick of Arlington Virginia and Kurt Garlick of North Port Florida. His grandsons Derek Treiber of Warwick RI and Coast Guard Boatswains Mate 3rd Class Adam Garlick of South Portland Maine, and his granddaughter Alexandra Garlick of Groton, CT. His siblings Patricia Tougas of Charlestown RI, Carolyn (Ernie) Bergstrom of Richland Washington, Teresa Cornell of North Stonington, CT, and David (Laura) Garlick of Akron, Ohio as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Marie Hardin and his brother Lawrence Garlick. He is also survived by Kristin and Andrew Foerch.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, April 18th from 4-7 pm in Avery-Storti funeral home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield, 02879. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 19th in Christ the King Church, 180 Old North Road Kingston RI. Burial will follow in Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 S. County Trail, Exeter, 02822. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to RIFC Honor Flight, PO Box 28132, Providence, RI 02908,

For those unable to attend the funeral Mass for Ray, his services will be available via live stream at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2YoLpnK74w