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BORN
1943
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Raymond Chalifoux Obituary
lifelong resident of Fitchburg; 73
FITCHBURG -- Raymond J. Chalifoux, 73, of Fitchburg, died Saturday afternoon, March 12th, at Leominster Hospital, after a short illness.
Born January 13, 1943, in Fitchburg, he was the son of Joseph and Irene (Anderson) Chalifoux, and lived his entire life in Fitchburg. He graduated from Fitchburg High School and attended the New England School of Broadcasting. He was the voice of Fitchburg for close to fifty years. Ray served as Public Service Director for Fitchburg's WEIM Radio and was host of the morning drive radio program for more than 35 years.
He was a large promoter and advocate for the city he loved so dearly.
Ray C produced thousands of public service announcements for local agencies to air on WEIM and other outlets. He invited the community to participate and have access to his morning program. This, along with his warm and caring demeanor, established lifelong friendships and relationships with individuals in service to the community, with in arts and culture and the public and private sectors.
He concluded his full time run with WEIM in 2007 and continued to work at WPKZ as the Public Service Director and co-host of the Saturday morning program, Smart Shoppers.
Ray C is an honorary Rotarian with the Fitchburg East Can-Do club. He was the volunteer master of ceremonies at the Annual Rotary East Super Bowl Sunday Brunch at Monty Tech and the Fitchburg and Leominster Rotary Thanksgiving Breakfast for the high school bands. He served as president of the Fitchburg/Lunenburg Lions Club, served as president of the Friends of the Fitchburg Senior Center and served on the advisory board of the Thayer Symphony Orchestra. He also served on the board of the North Central court Services, the Wallace Civic Center, the Serita Hope Learning Center and the Longsjo Bicycle Classic. As public service director of WEIM Ray supported and participated in a number of fund-raising activities, such as jail and bail days, radio auctions for the N.C. Mass Red Cross and was host of the annual Salvation Army/Fitchburg Rotary Radio Vision Internet Auction. For more than 25 years he helped plan, produce and raise funds for Fitchburg's Civic Days celebrations. He has served as master of ceremonies for Fitchburg's Veterans Day Event, the Community Day at Coolidge Park, the Main Street Block Party, and the Fitchburg 4th of July parade and the Thayer's Youth at the Pops concert at the Bernardian Bowl. Ray has also been honored as the Grand Marshall of Fitchburg Civic Days.
He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Church and was the MC at the school's Annual St. Joseph Bazaar.
He is the recipient of many civic and community citations and awards, including seven official citations from the Massachusetts legislature, the Dr. Robert H. Goldman Community Service Award and the FATV Boulder Award. In 2006 he was honored by Fitchburg State College with the Community Service Award.
He leaves his longtime companion, Rose Ramondelli of Fitchburg; his sons Timothy and wife Maureen of Leominster, Steven Chalifoux of Fitchburg; daughters Tina Burak, Chrissy Rhea, and Tammy McGuire, as well as the mother of his children, Charlotte Noonan, all of Melbourne, Florida. He leaves 7 grandsons, 4 granddaughters and 9 great-grandchildren.
He is survived by one brother, Richard Chalifoux of Atlanta, Georgia, his brother-in-law Lawrence Lincourt of Fitchburg, and his dearest friend Sandy Craig of Leominster. He was predeceased by his sisters Pauline Lincourt and Claire McNamara. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He was a pillar of the community and will be sorely missed by the many people that knew and loved Ray C.
CHALIFOUX -- A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 AM Saturday, March 19th at St. Joseph's Church, 49 Woodland Street, Fitchburg. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
Calling hours are 4-7 Friday at the Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon Street, Fitchburg. Please see www.andersonfuneral.com for additional information.
Mr. Chalifoux's family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Timothy M. Chalifoux, 47 Princeton Street, Bldg. # 5, Apt 135, Leominster, MA 01453.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Chalifoux
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Brenda Slongwhite
March 9, 2019
Ray you were a friend and mentor God Bless RIP
Glen+Debbie Bean
April 2, 2016
Ray we are going to miss you, at the 4th of July parade, the radio station and the 50/50 diner. You were a very special person. May god bless Rose and your family R.I.P. friend
Rose Hare
March 19, 2016
So sorry to hear about Ray's passing. Fitchburg has lost a great man.My children and I would wake up every morning to his heartwarming show.They would listen attentively to his Birthday Wishes every year.Ray we will miss you..."You son of a gun"
Jeanne klimowicz
March 19, 2016
Rip ray! Thank u for all the great respect u paid to us as we participated in numerous July 4th parades with the nami ( Natl assoc of mental illness Fitchburg organization) you spoke highly of our organization and acknowledged us well as we proceeded past u at the city hall broadcasting u will always be remembered ,not forgoten!always loved meeting u at the station,calling into the smartshopper,seeing u at so many events! You are the man!tour spirit will carry on! In heaven you will be rewarded!
Lois (Santangelo) Courville
March 19, 2016
May Ray be at peace in Heaven with his two sisters. My sincere sympathy to all his family and friends.God be with you all.
CHERYL WHITE
March 18, 2016
Dear Dick and family,
I am so sad to hear of Ray's passing....What a great guy he was...I knew him for so many years. My condolences to Ray's family and friends. He certainly will be missed by many...Sincerely, Cheryl White
Lois (Santangelo) Courville
March 17, 2016
To the family of Ray C.,
My heart and sympathY goes out to all of you. May he rest in the arms of God with his sister Claire. He will not be forgotten.
Much love.
Joel Underwood
March 17, 2016
Tim, I am truly sorry for your loss, i am upholding you and your family in prayer. Jesus will provide comfort and peace. Anything you need, just ask. Having recently experienced the same loss, i know the rollercoaster of emotions, along with all the tasks that need to be attended to. Ray was a great man, you were blessed to call him Dad.
Stefanie Mathon
March 16, 2016
One of my fondest memories growing up was hearing Ray C give me that special birthday shout-out from my loved ones. His obituary was beautifully written. One can only wish and hope to be such a magical person as Ray was. Rest easy!
Erik & Carolyn Jarvi
March 16, 2016
Dear Ray C and Family ... Oh how much my wife and I are going to miss you, Ray C ... and I know so many other folks too. For so many years we would always have you in our kitchen in the morning, getting ready for work that day. We would see you every now and then down at the Legion on Daniels St., and we would all be listening to the Sundowners, with Tex, Shorty, Joe and Don. Or we might get to enjoy your company and voice at the many public events you had done over the years. As a present one year, my daughter, Molly, arranged with you to have me be on your morning show! ... was That a thrill for me. Over the years so many of us appreciated your birthday/anniversary announcements you would make every day on the air. It was always nice to see you down at the 50/50 every now and then too. In the latter years I have enjoyed calling you on those Saturday mornings, even sometimes using "a different voice" ... though you started to catch on, detecting my disguise rather quickly. "Erik J, you son of a gun", you would respond. A very kind and talented man in many ways. We will miss you very much ... and in the kitchen too, getting ready for work. Take care, Ray C., and tell Tex and Shorty we are thinking of them too. .... Erik and Carolyn Jarvi.
Donna Lincourt Hiatt
March 16, 2016
"Early Riser", "Fellowship", "Hugs & Squeezes". I will miss these words spoken by my Uncle Ray. He was, and will always be the Voice of Fitchburg. He was rare. Not many of his kind. His heart and soul made of Gold! Uncle Ray, you are going to be missed by so, so many people, people and lives you have touched. I take comfort knowing that you are reunited with your mom and dad, Aunt Claire, and my mother. God Bless You Uncle Ray. Say hi to Pauline & Claire!!! Give them Hugs & Squeezes.
Love,
Donna, Frank, Adam, Ross, & Jessica
Ken Lavoie
March 16, 2016
Deepest sympathies to Ray C.'s family. Ray was a good friend to Boy Scouts and in particular to our Special Needs Troop 823. He always made it a point to recognize our guys, especially in the Fourth of July parade. Thanks Ray and God Bless.
Charlie Lowe
Jack Kendall
Ken & Donna Lavoie
Rick Clouthier
Philip Nicastro
March 16, 2016
I loved listening to Ray C on WEIM for many years. To me he was as great as any actor, governor or president. Fitchburg lost a wonderful man who truly loved the City of Fitchburg. My condolences to his family.
Two old friends.
Russ Oasis
March 15, 2016
I met Ray C and worked with him at WEIM during 1970. We always remained friends and enjoyed lunch together in the summer of 2012. Of all the people I've worked with and met during my years in radio, Ray was the one who stood for integrity and ethics. He would always do the right thing and always help a friend in need. It brings me great sadness to learn of his passing. RIP old friend, you will not be forgotten.
Karen Weller
March 15, 2016
Ray was a big part of mine and my husband's life. It was a pleasure to work with him and considered him a dear friend. He will be missedKaren
Carol (Dantini) Brand
March 15, 2016
Dear Rose,
I am so sorry to hear of your dear Ray's passing. Let not your heart be troubled, as I'm sure you know that he is back home with our Lord and Savior! Let your heart be consoled with all your wonderful memories of your time together, and know that one day you will be with him again.
Love & sincere sympathy,
Carol (Dantini) Brand
Dee Cordio
March 15, 2016
Hearing the news of Ray C. I've shed many a tears since .
I met Ray in 1966 @ WFGL when he was attending the Radio Broadcasting school and visiting Gene LaVerne. Yes he liked country music also . He worked at Anwell at the time , over the years he met and knew my family - i did not know his - but he would know mine when he saw them and their names and if just seeing me would ask about them .Theres a new star in heaven for him , Mr Fitchburg and Mr Music man were my 2 names for him. I hope the city will dedicate their own star to him.
Stef E
March 15, 2016
Thanks, Ray, for many years of service and good listening. Rest well.
Skip Bourque and Family
March 15, 2016
I heard Mr. Naylor on my car radio tearfully share his heartfelt condolences and attempt to recall some fond memories of his good friend while paying homage to Ray Chalifoux during a three-hour tribute.
There is not a tougher talking, no-nonsense and tell-it-like-it-is straight shooting character in Fitchburg than lifelong resident-pundit Jackie Naylor, so if you hear him choking up about somebody's passing, the whole community has lost someone very special.
When Ray C started working at WEIM radio (aka: 1280) in the late 1960s I was a junior at Fitchburg High School, and in addition to being a great source for hearing about everything that was going on in the Twin Cities our groovy Top 40 AM-station rocked (pun intended).
Early each morning, many hundreds of other local school age Baby Boomers would wake and begin their double-sessions high school day making a hot bowl of Nabisco (10 minute) Cream of Wheat, or hurriedly dress for their mile walk to a neighborhood school, shortly after the Maxwell House coffee started percolating and they heard the transistor radio in the kitchen turned on usually already dialed to WEIM AM-1280 and the disc jockey personalities seamlessly transitioning from a song on one 45 rpm single record (that usually held no more than 3 minutes of music) to another 45 record before reading just one (and only one) 60 second commercial spot about every 6 minutes between playing just two (and only two) Top 40 songs.
All our homemaker moms spent a lot of their days at home listening to Ray C and the other DJs at WEIM, while our dads listened while they drove to work, and often voluntarily worked a 55-hour (Monday Saturday) 5 day week (for the overtime) at GE, Independent Lock, Fitchburg Paper, Simons Saw & Steel, Foster Grant and or Keating's. All union shops that paid a living wage and (just like Ray C) always treated their people with dignity and the members of all families with respect; and promoted baseball, football and basketball adult and youth teams.
The paths of our lives intermingled infrequently over 45 years. I first saw Ray Chalifoux when I dropped off a company check for around $60 (about a week's pay) from my first employer, Mr. Sanders at Park Snows, for five days of drive time radio spots and with strict instructions to tell the GM, Make sure Ray C reads them.
The radio station was, and still is located inside of The Cube on Water Street, a two story white cinderblock building that had been constructed on an empty lot the company purchased from the former Worcester County jail (now Wachusetts Potato Chip Company), and directly across from Finest Supermarket and the first Friendly's Ice Cream Shoppe opened in Fitchburg.
There once was a huge picture window on the second floor overlooking Water Street (Rt.12). Top 40 fans who were going steady would sometime sit inside their parents' American made car parked across the street in the early evenings, listening to AM-1280 on a tubeless solid state radio in the dashboard, and step upon a floor button on the driver's side to flash the high-beams on and off so the DJ would know to run downstairs (during one of Ray C's pre-recorded spots) to open the door and get an ice cream cone or maybe an Awful-Awful shake.
For limitations of the budget, I'm sure, there was no laminated safety glass on the office door and there was a long irregular crack in the glass covered by grey duck tape on the exterior and clear masking tape on the interior. The door was unlocked and opened by the GM (Marty), who was standing in the lobby still yelling at Ray C as he calmly turned away and ran up the stairs to change records inside his soundproof broadcast booth.
Apparently Ray C had played the entire long version of Hey Jude by The Beatles (more than seven minutes!) without playing at least one commercial every six minutes. It's rumored that different GMs may have tried to fire Ray C many times over the years, only to quickly relent and rehire him before the end of his shift. Always loyal, he wouldn't confirm or deny the rumors.
Understand, just like my first boss, the owners of many other local businesses purchased commercials on WEIM with strict instructions to have Ray C read or pre-record their spots to air later; including yours truly after I opened and operated my own business during the 1970s.
That's when I learned that Ray C was not only a professional who could flawlessly read a radio spot on the first take, but a trusted voice to listeners who would come to strongly identify his unique voice with local business: Food Co-op, Ray Morin, Weber Lumber, Barnie Rosen, Finnish Drug, Harper Furniture, Rogers, Rays Diner and Fitchburg Savings Bank, to name a few which Ray C always somehow managed to successfully encourage to sponsor a myriad of year-round community events: Soap Box Derby, Longso Bicycle Race Classic, Memorial and Civic Days Parades, Notre Dame Friday night and FHS vs. LHS Thanksgiving Day Football games and etc.
Ray C rented a room in a house on Samoset Lake in my rookie year that was owned by my first police patrol partner in the 1980s. No matter what shift one might have been working, whenever a cop drove by and saw Ray hanging outside during the day or with the lights on inside during the night, you'd find him ready to listen to a sad or funny tale with a hot cup.
Police cars had only police, no music radios in those days, but many of the old timers still owned transistor radios they set to WEIM and secured to the cages behind the front seats.
When Ray learned we shared the same day of birth, he intended to wish me happy birthday on his show, as he did to thousands of listeners over the decades. However, when I asked him not to because I didn't want people I might have taken to court knowing my date of birth, he said he wouldn't and he never did; but wished me a happy birthday whenever he saw me.
Those good old days are long past, and very many things have changed (for good and bad); and now one more local ICON who faithfully remained in 'The Burg" and always for the better is also gone.
RIP RAY C: A man's motive in the small actions of daily life, like resting a moment on his pitchfork in the sun or listening intently to another, may be the most important thing about that man.
~ From a poem by Haniel Clark Long
March 15, 2016
A gentleman, radio scholar, and advocate for humanity...Ray C you will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing you.
Thank you for all of your incredible radio knowledge and professional advice that you passed along to me through the years in radio.
Although it was for only 5 years, it was the ultimate honor to share the studio, Civic Days and Firework broadcast with you.
May God bless you and honor you as you did all of us on earth and may he bless Rose and your family with the grace, peace and love necessary to endure these difficult days ahead.
Love and God Bless,
"LadyBug"
Maureen T. LaRoche
Richard Finkle
March 15, 2016
Ray C. was a wonderful man. I am fortunate to have known him for all the years I lived in Leominster.The area area has lost a gem.
dennis - susan selinga
March 15, 2016
To one of kind friend an a Fitchburg Icon, rest in peace my old friend
Michelle Chevarie Johndrow
March 15, 2016
It was an honor to know and work with you. You will be greatly missed!
ryan hill
March 15, 2016
Gonna miss you Uncle Ray you were My Favorite uncle, My friend, and a gentle soul condolenses to Aunt Rose and my Family xo
Brenda Slongwhite
March 15, 2016
Rose:
My deepest sympathy in this loss. Ray was a sweet soul and his love and the memories' you have will be eternal. I treasure the time I worked with him at WEIM. God Bless you and his family. Brenda
Bill/linda Brodeur
March 15, 2016
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to ray and the family. He served our immunity well and will be sadly missed.
Anita Dube
March 15, 2016
Fitchburg has lost one of its jewels , Ray was a gold one! So sorry for your loss.
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Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home - Fitchburg316 Clarendon Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420
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