Raymond P. Yankauskas’ palette turned to black on Jan. 13, after 87 extraordinary years of art, family and community involvement. Born in Hartford, on Nov. 18, 1932, he was a cherished son to the late Peter and Anna (Motiejunas) Yankauskas and brother to four sisters. Raymond grew up in Hartford and was a graduate of Hartford Public High School, Class of 1950. After high school, he continued his education at the Hartford Art School, now a part of the University of Hartford, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in fine arts. After graduation, he served in the Army as a telegraph specialist stationed in Germany.
Returning to the States, he began his graphic art career beginning at Hamilton Standard where he was part of the team that designed the first Apollo space glove, and ended his career at The Hartford Courant in 1995. In between, he devoted his art skills to several Granby civic organizations, which included being the creator of the first Granby Grelf, the long-time mascot of the Granby Community Fund, and as a member of the team of community members who started The Granby Drummer.
Raymond was a very passionate artist of painting, sculpture and textiles. But, Raymond would say his finest creations were his five children with his wife of 47 years, the late Rosemary L. (Livcaket) Yankauskas: Hilary True of Granby, Jann Yankauskas and her spouse Cindy Stewart of Alexandria, Va., Stephen Yankauskas and his girlfriend Jennifer Devine of Simsbury, Jay Yankauskas and his girlfriend Karen Vezina of Granby, and Raye Ann Yankauskas and her spouse Scott Delano of North Andover, Mass.; five grandchildren, Andrea True and her fiancé Erik Glidden, Joshua Yankauskas, Jakob Yankauskas, Brett Yankauskas and Scott Delano; two sisters, Irene Petkaitis and Elizabeth Yankauskas as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Memorial donations may be made to the Granby Community Fund, P.O. Box 94, Granby, CT 06035. To leave an online condolence, please visit carmonfuneralhome.com.