Ramon A. Perez, Jr., 51, of Prospect, Connecticut, passed away at his home on June 5, 2022. Ray was born in Utuado, Puerto Rico on October 3, 1970.  He graduated from Stamford High School in 1988 and became ASE Certified Master Autobody Collision Repair and Paint Technician. Ray operated his own business, Artisan Project Works, LLC and most recently worked at Autoworks Collision Center in Seymour. He was a master of his trade whose work was well-known in the industry, and was considered a master at restoring classic cars and rare vehicular gems. He also worked on multiple cars for members of the Porsche Club of America. Ray was a talented craftsman, who rebuilt and painted multiple dwellings. He constantly mentored the young and had many apprentices in both auto repair, and then the general trades, and acted as a life coach and confidant to many. He was always taking someone under his wing. He loved to teach, and cared greatly for learning and helping others to learn. Ray lived with his long-time partner, Christine Gentile, in Prospect, CT since 2006. Ray loved watching the Patriots and managing his multiple fantasy football teams. When he was young Ray dreamed of being a pilot. This love never died as he would build and learn to fly model Helicopters, planes, and other RC vehicles. His inspiring discipline and focus yielded results, and he loved showing family, friends, and neighbor's dogs his flight tricks. Ray was also meticulous and patient, and would often spend many months working on a model and once finished, he would deem it too nice to risk damaging by flying. Ray was bright, witty, thoughtful and loved to talk a lot!  A history buff, and proud of his heritage, he enjoyed learning about pirates and those who rebelled against the crowns in the ages of exploration. He also loved learning about Knights, early war pilots, and held a genuine curiosity for natural science and puzzles. He loved to ask "why?" And find an answer. Every time he responded to a question with, "I don't know…" you would see his mind begin to turn, as he was happy on the trail of hunting for the answer. He loved the flow of being engrossed in research, an artistic project, or a puzzle, and was always happiest when he was learning and thinking. A superb athlete, he started playing football at 34 years old, years after most players retired from the sport, and could easily pick up almost any athletic skill. He was a talented martial artist, baseball player, and football player, and loved riding his bike on mountains and in the streets. Ray was a video game enthusiast, a metalhead who loved most live music, and a lifelong lover of film. He loved going to "catch a flick" with those he loved. He often talked of moving to Puerto Rico with Christine, building up Artisan Project Works, LLC, and then starting a film company named Bad Coqui and using the profits of Bad Coqui and Artisan Project Works, LLC to live well and improve the lives of his neighbors. Beyond all of these things, Ray was a fierce and unerring guardian of those he loved, he hated ignorance and cruelty, and loved justice, equity, and kindness. He had an infectious, joyful personality and was never serious if he had a choice otherwise. Bad days melted away in his presence, as he made everyone feel welcome, at ease, seen, and accepted. Ray is predeceased by his father Ramon A. Perez, Sr. He is survived by his mother Luz Perez, his sister Rebeca Perez Davis, his nieces Kiaya Perez-Davis and Brianna Davis, his son Joseph Perez-Caputo, and partner Christine Gentile. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 15, at 1:00 P.M. at Bethany Church, 2 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT 06906.