Obituary: Raymond Francis Ferguson, 89, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Raymond Francis Ferguson, a resident of Branford, CT entered into rest on December 28, 2023. Mr. Ferguson was predeceased by his wife Ellen McDonnell Ferguson in 2003. He is survived by his devoted son Niall Ferguson and his wife Elizabeth Ferguson of Branford. Also surviving him are three wonderful grandchildren: Charles McDonnell Ferguson, Henry Downes Ferguson and Ellen Sheridan Ferguson.

Mr. Ferguson was predeceased by a brother William F. Ferguson of Orange, CT and a sister, Patricia Ferguson Brady of Newport, NH.

Born on June 16, 1934, he was the son of William Oliver Ferguson and Agnes Whelan and was raised by the devoted and caring Mary “Goggy” McCarthy who lived with the Ferguson family for thirty three years.

He was a member of the class of 1952 of Hillhouse High School and graduated from the University of Connecticut where he was a member of Theta Chi fraternity.

Mr. Ferguson’s business career in advertising and marketing began in New York City in 1960 where he first worked at Benton & Bowles, and over a 13 year period also worked at the Gardiner Advertising Agency and Warwick & Legler, where he was a vice-president. After returning to New Haven his advertising career continued and he became the co-owner and president of Sterling Associates. Mr. Ferguson was a past president of the Advertising Club of New Haven County and a board member of WNHC-AM radio.

He made many civic contributions which included serving as a past member of the board of directors of the New Haven Symphony, a past president of the Branford Green Committee and most recently as the president of the board of directors of the Branford Center Cemetery.

He was a past member of the New York Athletic Club and the Seventh Regiment Association of Manhattan. He was an active member of the Elm City Club, the Mory’s Association and the Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club.

Friends and relatives are invited to a graveside service on Wednesday, January 3rd at 11:00 am at the Branford Center Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by W.S. Clancy Funeral Home of Branford.

In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial donations to the Ellen Ferguson Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.