Raymond A. Gastonguay

Our dear Raymond Gastonguay passed on December 24, 2023 after an eight month battle with cancer. He was surrounded by loving family and friends during his illness and passing.

Ray was born to Noel Gastonguay and Rita (Fredette) Gastonguay in 1945 in Fitchburg, MA..During his elementary and high school years, Ray excelled academically, and was the valedictorian of his high school, Notre Dame, as well as the receiver of the All Crusader Award. 

In his youth, Ray loved to tell riddles, had a great sense of humor, enjoyed building model airplanes, and was active in sports.He was an artist and cartoonist for a time, loved classical music, and was extremely well read. Whatever Ray decided to pursue, he put all of his effort into it.

Ray attended two years at Santa Clara University in California on a scholarship.  He then entered the Jesuit seminary for two years before leaving to complete his education in Europe.  He graduated from University of Nancy in France with a Bachelor’s degree, and continued to live in Germany for another year.

When Ray returned to Fitchburg, he started a career as a computer programmer and continued in that profession until his retirement.  Ray was a devout Catholic and very active in his church, serving on many committees of service to the community.  He was also a devoted CCD teacher for many years at St. Francis of Assisi parish and later became a member ofSt. Camillus,

Ray was a kind and generous person. Throughout his life, Ray never missed sending a card to all of his relatives and friends for their birthdays and holidays.  And every card was a goofy one guaranteed to make you smile.

When Ray’s parents were in their later years, Ray devoted much of his time to their care. He was beloved by his brother Ed and sister-in-law Jeanne; his sister Tusi (Susan); his nephew Greg, Greg’s daughter Samantha and son Jonathan; his niece Cherrie Roy and her husband Jeff Roy, Cherrie and Jeff’s daughter Johnna and son Ean; his nephew Doug, Doug’s wife Kelly and their daughters Emily and Alisha. 

.Services for Ray are private at the request of his family. There are no calling hours.