Hugh Gray Raisky, 92, passed away peacefully in his sleep October 31, 2025, in Newport, Rhode Island. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Annette Leiderman Raisky, Kathleen Elizabeth Raisky, his daughter from a previous marriage, sister-in-law, Susan Altman, nephews Greg and Adam Altman, as well as his beloved rescue cat, Duncan.
Hugh was born in South Bend, Indiana, the only child of Mildred and Hubert Raisky. He spent his early years in Benton Harbor, Michigan, before graduating from the Kentucky Military Institute, as well as the Art Center School of Los Angeles, where he earned a degree in Illustration. Additionally, Raisky served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict, based in Germany.
Hugh Raisky was a two-time Emmy award-winning production designer, whose career spanned decades at CBS News and CBS Sports. At CBS News, he was heralded for his anchor sets for Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather, as well as designing sets for Presidential debates and Election nights. In 1969, he created the seminal sets for the historic “Man on the Moon,” landing which set the standard for the genre.
Raisky took a three-year hiatus during the mid 1970’s, when he located to Fuengirola, Spain on the Costa del Sol. It was during this period that he recaptured his love of oil painting.
Upon returning to the U.S., he joined CBS Sports, creating sets which included the NFL Today, numerous Super Bowls and NCAA Basketball Final fours and championships.
Raisky left CBS to form his own company, Hugh Gray Raisky Associates, designing news sets for local television stations throughout the country.
In 2008, Hugh and Annette relocated to Newport, where they had a second home. He loved painting en plein air, creating exuberant seascapes, reflecting the essence of what he called his “happy place.”
Hugh Raisky was a loving partner to his wife of 48 years, talented artist, wonderful friend, lifelong NY Yankees fan, runner of the bulls in Pamplona, world traveler and terrific kisser. He was an original; a true free spirit who will be deeply missed.
The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to all who lovingly cared for him in recent months at St Clare-Newport.
At Hugh’s request, there will be no funeral service.
Donations can be made in Hugh Raisky’s name to St. Clare-Newport, 309 Spring St, Newport, RI 02840 as well as the Potter League for Animals, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842.