Raymond H. Roy

BARRE TOWN - Raymond Henry Roy, 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at the Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Berlin after a one-year battle with brain cancer. COVID-19 visitation restrictions made his battle especially difficult, but thankfully his loving family was able to see him during end-of-life visits.

Born on July 23, 1938 in Northfield, he was the son of Haudier and Yvonne (Cote) Roy. He attended Barre City schools. As the oldest son in a family of nine children, Ray needed to leave school at an early age so he could work and support his Mom and siblings. On December 1, 1956, Ray married the love of his life, Rita J. Bagalio. They were married for over 63 years and made their home in Barre. Ray was a loving father to three children and wonderful grandfather to 2 grandchildren.

When first married, Ray worked as a truck driver for Holsum Bakery. He then spent 27 years as a granite polisher for Anderson Friberg and Colombo Granite. He also worked with his brother Bob at Twin State Welding Supply in VT and NH. Ray retired from the granite industry in 2000.

Upon retirement, Ray and Rita split their time between Vermont and sunny Florida. They spent their winters as snowbirds in New Smyrna Beach, Florida for over 17 years, where Ray did handy man work for neighbors in his area.

Ray was known for his hard work ethic, always doing DIY projects at his homes in Vermont and Florida and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. He was also known as a jokester and had nicknames for most everyone close to him. He maintained his sense of humor until the end. Family was the most important thing in Ray’s life. He loved spending time with his family whenever he could.

Besides his loving wife he leaves his children, Deborah Roy of Rutland, VT; Randy Roy and his wife, Jodi of Barre, VT; and Pamela Roy of Sarasota, FL; his grandchildren, Kaitlyn Roy and her fiancé, Justin White of Northfield, VT; and Jeffrey Roy of Barre, VT; his brothers, Maurice Roy and his wife, Barbara of Tennessee; Roger Roy of Texas; Robert Roy and his wife, Carlene of New Hampshire; and his sisters, Jeannine Rollins of Florida; Jacquelyn Coghlan; Pauline Marshall and her husband, Bruce; and Marlene Moulton, all of Barre; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Rita Larmand and her husband, Maurice; and brothers-in-law Wil Rollins and Howard Coghlan.

The Mass of Christian Burial to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Monica’s Catholic Church, 79 Summer Street, Barre.  Following the service, inurnment will take place in the St. Sylvester Cemetery in Websterville. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ray’s memory can be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation, P.O. Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715 or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the caring staff at UVM Medical Center and Woodridge Rehabilitation, and in particular, to special nurse and friend Kayla O’Reilly. Your care and compassion for Ray and our family will always be remembered.