In Memory: Raymond J. Jimolka, former Rye Fire Chief, Age 90
Raymond J. Jimolka passed away on April 15, 2020. Born in Yonkers, NY on May 29, 1929. The son of Raymond C. Jimolka and Olga Rohan Jimolka. Raymond graduated Port Chester High School Class of 1947. He faithfully served his country, joining the US Army. After his military service Raymond began his career working for Consolidated Edison, a career which would continue for 39 years of faithful employment. Raymond was a City of Rye volunteer fireman for 50+ years. During that tenure he rose through the ranks of all offices ending as Chief of the department from 1988 – 1990. He was also an honorary member of the Brooksville Fire Department in Port Chester, NY where he started as a volunteer prior to being drafted by the US Army.
He married the former Joanna Grippo, a marriage that would last 39 years until her death on October 10, 1994. Together they would raise their three children and four grandchildren. After Joanna’s death, he met and married Joan E. Voorhis on June 8, 1996, a marriage that would continue for the next 23 years.
Raymond is survived by his three daughters: Joanna J. Buckley and her partner Arthur Fisher of Rye, NY, Christie J. Giuntini and husband Dan of Danbury, CT and Carla A. Jimolka of Stamford, CT. He is also survived by his four grandchildren: Andrew Buckley of Phillip, ME, Stephen Buckley of Stafford, VA, Jaclyn G. Schoeman and husband Greg of Danbury, CT and Daniel Giuntini Jr. of Danbury, CT.
A private wake and funeral were held. A public memorial will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to either: the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave, 16 floor, New York, NY 10001, phone 866-232-8484, www.alzfdn.org or the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.
