Raymond J. Richards

Douglas- Raymond J. Richards, 94, of North St. passed away on Sun. March 24, 2024 peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Pauline M. (Bellerose) Richard on May 13, 2019. 

         He is survived by his 4 children, Barbara A. Bourassa and her husband James of Shrewsbury, Paul R. Richard and his wife Paula of Jamestown, RI, Stephen J. Richard and his wife Verneice of Northbridge, and Brian D. Richard and his wife Susan of Uxbridge; 7 grandchildren, Jennifer Yarnie, Christopher Bourassa, Lauren Beischel, Lisa Bourassa, Stephenie Orphin, Jeffrey Richard, and Katelyn Audet; 9 great-grandchildren, Edward Yarnie, Nathaniel Yarnie, Cassandra Beischel, Owen Audet, Mason Richard, Liam Beischel, Georgia Audet, Jameson Richard, and Caleb Audet, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a grandson Christopher Richard, and brothers, Alyre M. Richard, Michael F. Richard, and Robert R. Richard.

         Born in Douglas, MA on April 29, 1929 he was the son of Alyre J. and Mary (Herbst) Richard, and was a lifelong resident of Douglas. A graduate of Douglas High School Class of 1946, he furthered his education and attained his engineering degree from Worcester Junior College. Ray worked as an Industrial Engineer for 35 years for Wyman Gordon in Grafton and Worcester until his retirement in 1990. Previously he had worked for Pratt Whitney and Whitin Machine Works. 

        Ray was a member and former Division Commander of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for over 50 years, where he taught classes, and performed vessel inspections. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Douglas School Committee and longtime parishioner of St. Denis Church. 

        He enjoyed boating, fishing, taking bus tours with his wife, vacationing in Misquamicut and Jamestown, RI, as well as Myrtle Beach, SC. Ray loved hosting every holiday at his home, as spending time with family was one of his greatest joys. He was a longtime woodworker and made beautiful furniture over the years. 

         His funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 10 AM in St. Denis Church, 23 Manchaug St., Douglas. Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 1st from 5-7 PM in Jackman Funeral Home, 7 Mechanic St., Douglas. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s memory may be made to: Dana Farber Cancer Center, 20 Prospect St., Milford, MA 01757. To leave a condolence message for his family please visit www.JackmanFuneralHomes.com

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