Raymond John Caefer

Affectionately known as Ray, his life was a testament to love of knowledge, service and volunteerism, and his caring and humorous spirit. Ray left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.

Ray was born in 1926 to William and Blanche (Denomme) Caefer and grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts. Ray is survived by Joan (Capitell) Caefer, his beloved wife of 54 years, his brother William Caefer, three nieces, and six nephews.

After graduating high school, Ray served in the United States Navy during World War II as a navigator on a PT boat. Ray was discharged in 1946, when he enrolled at Clark University in Worcester to major in Romance Languages. Foreign languages came naturally to Ray since he grew up speaking French, which he learned from his mother. Ray received a Fulbright grant to study at the University of Grenoble, France, which also provided the opportunity to explore Europe and begin his lifelong love of travel.

Ray had a very rewarding career in education, serving 28 years at Wellesley High School and retiring as Director of Foreign Languages. It was at Wellesley High School where he met Joan, who was a Guidance Counselor, and they began their life together.

Ray and Joan retired to Chatham in 1984 and loved their home on Stage Island. They could often be found on Wimsi, their Sabre sailboat, taking many wonderful trips together. Ray was never one to sit still and he constantly volunteered doing such things as driving the Chatham B Bus, working on a project to ensure homes had visible numbers for emergency services, and visiting residents in nursing homes with his beloved dogs Brigitte and Gigi.

The residents of Stage Island named Ray 'The Mayor' and the Stage Island family always held a very special place in Ray's heart.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours Wednesday, March 26, 2025 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM at The Nickerson Funeral Home, 87 Crowell Rd, Chatham, MA 02633. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday at 10:00 AM at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 57 Highland Ave, Chatham, MA. Burial with military honors will take place Friday at 1:15 PM at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Broad Reach Hospice & Palliative Care, Chatham or the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSCPA).