W. Raymond "Ray" Ide

Walter Raymond “Ray” Ide peacefully concluded 91 years of life on May 5, 2023. Ray was most recently of Fitchburg, Massachusetts but previously resided in Ashburnham for 52 years.

Ray was born to Walter Raymond Ide Sr. and Anna Lynaugh (Stebbins) Ide on August 30, 1931. He is predeceased by his parents and his sister, Lynaugh DeCotis Minnich. He leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Marilyn (Lomax) Ide, and his children: Debra Perrett (and her husband Jim) of Ashburnham, Kathleen Ide-French of Granby, and Raymond Ide (and his wife Jennifer) of Ponte Vedra, Florida. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Ross Perrett (and his wife Erin), Kelsey Perrett, Lauren French, Daniel French, Samantha Ide, and Madelyn Ide; three great-grandchildren: Eliza Rivera, Axel Perrett, and Estelle Perrett; his sister, Margaret Hager of Rhode Island, and many other family members and friends.

Ray was raised in Warwick, Rhode Island and graduated from Aldrich High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Following his service, he began a career in sales with the Narragansett Brewing Company. He then owned his own distributorship, Ide-McAleer Distribution, before joining George Lamoreaux and Company. Ray also worked as a facilities manager for First Safety Fund National Bank for many years before his retirement.

Throughout his life, Ray was an avid outdoorsman. Some of his finest memories included sharing his love of hunting, fishing, skiing, and golf with family and friends. He was a champion of both Boston and local sports and devoted his time to the athletic community as a member of the National Ski Patrol and a coach for Ashburnham Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball. He also enjoyed time at home with his family and the German shepherd dogs who were his frequent companions. He was a voracious reader who loved caring for his yard and watching the birds and wildlife it attracted.

Family and friends are invited to join a memorial service for Ray at 11 am on Thursday, May 18 at Lavery Chartrand Alario Funeral Home in Fitchburg , MA. A private interment ceremony will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon, MA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ray’s honor to a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank The Gables of Fitchburg, Beacon Hospice, Holden Rehabilitation, and Dr. Zbigniew Dombek for their kind care and support. Ray’s friendly smile and positive attitude will be dearly missed by all those he encountered during his long and full life.

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