Connie, age 83, passed away on August 3rd, 2025. He was a resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado for 58 years. Connie was a Colorado Springs Police Officer for 36 of those years, proudly gaining the rank of lieutenant.
Prior to that, he lived in California where he learned to be a welder, becoming a certified welder. Connie learned the profession of welding from his father who spent 80% of his time in the Middle East welding petroleum tanks. Connie joined the Air Force after high school, staying for 4 years. He was a medic and absolutely loved being in the Air Force. He often wondered just how far he could have gone had he stayed, but he wanted to be a Policeman more.
Connie was born on June 1st, 1942, to Connie Ray Sr. and Mary (Wagner). Connie Sr was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Mary was raised in California. They met in California, fell in love and married, when Connie Sr was sent there on a welding job.
Connie went by the name Ray (his middle name) for many years, because he was uncomfortable being called Connie. He loved to make jokes referencing the Johnny Cash song “A Boy Named Sue”, jokingly telling people he “got even” with his dad for naming him Connie, after him.
Connie loved to go fly fishing in his younger years. He spent many a weekend wading out in the springs of Colorado with some of his fellow officers. He also got a bicycle and started riding some of the trails in the Colorado Springs and Pueblo parks. He had a real appreciation for the beautiful outdoors of Colorado, spending most of his off time enjoying the many events the area has to offer.
Connie took great pride in the garden and lawn of his home. Many times, people walking by would stop and comment about how lovely his lawn was. The kids called him the lawn nazi because he wouldn’t allow anything to happen to his green, green grass of home.
Connie attended the University of Southern Colorado in the evenings while serving as a Police Officer, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree on December 11th, 1999. In addition, he received the CAPPS CAPOZZOLO Award for Academic Excellence. He worked very hard for this degree and spoke with pride when telling people about it. He also attended Session 150 of the FBI Academy. Connie attended high school in Palisade, Colorado where he lived with his parents on a peach orchard.
Connie loved animals. His two dogs, Popcorn and Daffodil were his greatest love. Although Daffodil was purchased as a gift for his wife, she quickly became “Connie’s dog”, spending all of her time with him. When he was gravely ill, she laid by his side never leaving him.
Connie is survived by his loving wife, Renee (Sugars); his two stepsons, John David and Barton; he has four grandchildren Domanick, David, Katie and Taneia. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and four of his half-sisters.
A memorial service will be held on August 14th, 2025, at 12:00 noon at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 East Fountain Blvd., interment will be at the Gate of Heaven mausoleum. A reception will be held, venue to be released at the service.
Memorials in the name of Connie may be made to the ASPCA or any of the local animal rescues.