Raymond "Ray" Edgar Cormier

Raymond (Ray) Edgar Cormier, 91, died Wednesday, March 19 at his home in Hudson, NH. Ray was predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Alyce Eva (Richard) Cormier. He is survived by his five sons, Richard, Douglas, Cameron, Bradford, and Clayton; and by his eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Ray, the eldest of six boys, was born in Gardner, MA, the son of the late Henry and Eva Cormier, originally from New Brunswick, Canada.

Ray served in the Navy during World War II at the radio training station on Gallups Island in Boston Harbor. After the war, he ran a succession of successful businesses in Gardner including a grocery store and a luncheonette. While still in his twenties, Ray began the first of many door-to-door, direct marketing ventures. Over his lifetime, these included Permanent Stainless Steel Cookware, Safety Maid Baby Furniture, Panacolor, and Energy Marketing Service.

Ray married his beloved Alyce in 1948 and together they raised their five sons in Stoneham, MA. Ray had an inquisitive and optimistic nature. His passions included traveling in his motor home and boat, researching the history of the Cormier family, and staying in contact with family and friends via the internet.

Visiting hours were held Sunday, March 23, 2014 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm in the Zis-Sweeney Funeral Home, 26 Kinsley St., Nashua. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated 10:00am Monday in St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 777 W. Hollis St., Nashua. Spring interment will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Gardner, MA. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.