Raymond J. Pothier

Leominster – Raymond J. Pothier, 92, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away peacefully on December 5, 2020 at Sterling Village Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center after a short period of declining health.

Ray leaves behind his loving wife of 68 years, Patricia (Becrelis) Pothier, whom he adored.  Together they lived a wonderful life as constant companions in their Leominster residence, surrounded by family, friends and community.  Ray is the devoted father of daughter Lee Bourgault, wife of Paul Allain and previously deceased David Bourgault of Ashburnham and Nancy “Pepper” LeBlanc and her husband Gary of Sterling.  Four grandchildren; Elise LeBlanc, Ryan LeBlanc, Ashley King and Eric Bourgault all called him “Papou”.  In the last few years Ray has been blessed with three great-grandchildren, Brianna, Stella and Melia.  Ray and Pat also have a lifelong special friend Pauline “Chicky” Ciccone, now of Punta Gorda, FL.

Ray was born on January 5, 1928 to Wilfrid and Juliette (LeBlanc) Pothier in Leominster.  He was the second child of nine brothers and sisters and proud of his French-Canadian heritage.  They were a close-knit family, who gathered often.  Ray is survived by brothers; Gerard of Ashburnham, Paul of Leominster, sisters; Claire White of Rutland, Irene Iwano of Worcester, Pauline Guillmette and Jeannette Marcoux, both of Leominster.  His brothers Marcel and Roger predeceased him.  Ray was also close to Pat’s sisters, Kitty Bilotta and deceased Frances Therriault, Alice Eichorst, Irene Becrelis and Helen Gamache.  Altogether there are 51 nieces and nephews, an amazing loving and supportive family.

Ray attended St. Bernard’s High School.  He left school to join the US Navy, serving his country from 1946 – 1948.  He was a WWII veteran.  During that time, he met Patty B at a community dance. It was love at first sight.  Their married life began in 1952 with home and family soon after.  Ray was a civilian employee at the former Fort Devens Army Base and later worked for Digital Equipment Corporation until his retirement in 1990.  Many summers were spent at Hampton Beach and sightseeing the United States.  Ray developed an interest in photography and was a dedicated sports fan.  An avid golfer, he was a member of several golf leagues, savoring a few holes in one.  During this time, he also took up skiing to spend time with his daughters.  He was a member of Montachusett Ski Club taking ski trips all over the country and Europe, and later enjoyed Wachusett Old Timers Skiing on sunny mornings.  Ray’s true passion was traveling.  He, with various family members traveled to 49 of the United States and 39 other countries.  He loved the planning and resulting photos.  Most mornings in the last 25 years, Ray could be found at the counter of Tim’s Diner.  He was a humble man who lived a charmed life.  He will be sorely missed.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers Carolyn Holland and Elena Bilotta who helped him at home and later the staff at Broadview Assisted Living Community.  Ray was a lifelong member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Leominster.

POTHIER – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 12^th, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Leo’s Church, 128 Main Street, Leominster.  All health and social distancing protocols will be followed.  A private burial with Military Honors will follow.  There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored if you would make a donation in Ray’s memory to support a local food bank.

Wright-Roy Funeral Home, Inc., 109 West Street, Leominster, is directing arrangements. To leave a message of condolence visit; www.wrightroyfuneralhome.com

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