Raymond J. Cormier

Waltham - Mr. Raymond J. Cormier, of Waltham, died unexpectedly Sunday, July 25 in Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer after being stricken ill at the home of his son. He was 61.

Raymond was born on July 28, 1948 a son of the late Joseph and Alice (Robichaud) Cormier in Notre Dame, New Brunswick, Canada and immigrated to the United States in 1962 at the age of 14 settling in Milford. An introduction and courtship to Yvette M. Bastarache of Waltham led to their marriage on June 30, 1972 in the former St. Joseph Church in Waltham.

He worked as a carpenter for over 23 years for Jeffrey Company Builders in Bellingham before retiring in 2008 due to a work related disability. He was skilled at his work and took pride in his accomplishments.

His interests included bowling, playing cards in which he was known as ‘Ace’s’, golfing and above all riding his four wheelers. He also enjoyed camping and was a regular summer resident with his family at Peaceful Pine Park in Templeton. Ray built a cottage in Florina Beach, Cocagne, New Brunswick to which his family would annually visit. He loved his native Canada and was most happy when surrounded by his family. He was eagerly anticipating the birth of his third grandchild in two weeks.

He leaves his wife of 38 years, Yvette M. (Bastarache) Cormier; his children, Maurice R. Cormier and his wife, Debi, of Pepperell and Lisa A. Cormier-Cloonan and her husband, Jack, of West Roxbury; his granddaughters, Jacqueline E. and Melanie J. Cormier of Pepperell; his siblings, Paul Cormier and his wife, Phyllis, of Dieppe, N.B., Roy Cormier and his companion, Janice Monzerolla, of Notre Dame, N.B., Alyre Cormier and his wife, Ann Marie, of St. Anthony, N.B., Ovila Cormier and his wife, Annette, of Notre Dame, N.B., and Lucille Chenard and her late husband, Conrad, of Moncton, N.B., and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Raymond’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home on THURSDAY from 5 to 8 p.m.

Ray’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on SATURDAY morning at 10 a.m. in Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham. Burial will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics Massachusetts State Office, Yawkey Sports Training Center, 512 Forest Street, Marlborough, MA 01752.