Joseph E. Ray

April 6, 1934 - July 14, 2020

Joseph E. Ray, age 86, of Boynton Beach, Florida (formerly of Dracut, MA) was called Home on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 following a brief illness. He was the beloved husband to Lorraine L. (Roussell) Ray with whom he celebrated 62 years of marriage on January 5, 2020. Born in Akron, Ohio on April 6, 1934, he was the son of the late William Ray and Maude (Pendelton) Ray. He received his education in Akron schools and was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in 1952. He served in the United States Army for 4 years and was stationed at Fort Devens in Massachusetts as well as Alaska. Following his discharge from the Army, he married his sweetheart and settled in Dracut, Massachusetts where they welcomed 4 children. Joseph worked for Raytheon in Andover, Mass. for over 30 years until he retired in 1993. He spent his retirement years enjoying time with his family, traveling, working on home re-modeling projects, and spending time with his grandchildren. He especially enjoyed his time up North at their lake front campsite in New Hampshire and he was an avid fan of the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. Their permanent residence became Boynton Beach, Florida in 2007. Joe was well liked and made many lasting friendships in their Royal Manor Estates Community. He was actively involved in many of the community functions and was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus and the “ROMEO’s” (Retired Old Men Eating Out) who raised funds for the Wounded War Veterans, and the Soup Kitchen of Boynton Beach. He lived a full and wonderful life and was able to travel extensively visiting many beautiful countries, and numerous places within the U.S. He valued time with his children and extended family more than anything else. Above all, he loved spending time with his devoted wife of 62 years. He will be deeply missed by his wife Lorraine and his children and their spouses, Laura Jean (Ray) & Peter Sutton, Mary Jo (Ray) & Joseph Allan, Joseph Jr. & Lynn Ray. He was preceded in death by his eldest daughter Debra Susan Ray in 1980. He was also affectionately known as “Poppy Joe” by his 8 grandchildren, Kristin (Hamilton) and her husband Joshua Rocha, Joshua Hamilton and his wife Darylee, Jessica Allan, Christopher Allan, Michael Allan, Jonathan Ray, Amelia Ray & Cameron Ray. He was preceded in death by his grandson Christopher J. Hamilton in 1983. He was especially happy to be a great grandfather to 5 great grandchildren who also affectionately called him “Poppy Joe”. His surviving siblings are Mary Eleanor Segal of Valdosta, GA, William Ray of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and Martha Yensen of Akron, OH. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews who held special places in his heart. In keeping with the current restrictions, there will be no services at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date with family.