J. Bruce Raven Meriden - J. Bruce Raven, 80, died on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009 at Midstate Medical Center. He was born July 11, 1929 in Meriden, the son of the late J. Edgar and Virginia Ottilie (Stockburger) Raven. He was retired from 45 years of advertising illustration and design work. Bruce attended the Hartford Art School and Instituto Allende, San Miguel, Mexico. He is survived by cousins Lois Dutton of Meriden and Dorothy Dutton of Wallingford, as well as several second generation cousins with whom he enjoyed many family gatherings. Bruce taught at Gallery 53 and touched and helped form the lives of many aspiring artists. He generously shared his exceptional talent with his students. His passing is a profound loss to the Gallery and the art community. He also taught at the senior center and donated his time to create and paint the scenery for the Castle Craig Playhouse Productions. Bruce won numerous prizes and awards for his work and his paintings are part of the Meriden Arts and Crafts Association's permanent collection. Along with art, family, friends and community, Bruce had a great love for flowers, plants and his cat Lovie. Contributions in his memory can be made to Gallery 53, 53 Colony St., Meriden. Family and friends may pay their respects on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 8:30 to 11:00 AM and attend his funeral services at 11:00 AM at The Beecher & Bennett Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden. Burial will be at Walnut Grove Cemetery following the services.