ROCHESTER — Raymond Oscar Gravel passed away peacefully at his home May 9, 2012, with his family around him.
He was born in Rochester on March 9, 1933, and was the son of Aime and Yvonne (Langelier) Gravel.
He graduated from the former Holy Rosary High School where he was an outstanding athlete in basketball and baseball. He graduated Assumption College in Worcester, Mass. and served in the Army Medical Corps during the Korean War. After leaving the Army, he attended the Massachusetts School of Barbering and operated Gravel's Barber Shop in Rochester for 48 years.
Ray married the love of his life, Corinne Ouellette May 30, 1955. Together they raised four boys and he served on the school board for the Holy Rosary Elementary School. He was a basketball coach for the Holy Rosary Junior High where his teams won several championships. He also had served as Vice President of the Le Club Victoire and as an officer of the Babe Ruth League for years.
His great love was spending time on Lake Winnipesaukee with his family. He enjoyed watching his sons and grandchildren enjoy the lake and boating.
He was predeceased by his son, Ronald; and his sister, Claire (Gravel) McHale.
He is survived by his wife, Corinne of Rochester; sons, Ray and his wife Sharon Morristown, N.Y., Marc and his wife Bonnie of Hudson, and Mike and his wife Kim of Gonic; six grandchildren, Jen Gravel, Lindsay Benson, RJ Gravel, Bryan Gravel, Tyler Gravel and Stephanie Rouleau; six great grandchildren; a brother, Gerard Gravel and wife Palma; brother-in-law, Raymond Ouellette and wife Judy; and many nieces and nephews.
There will be no calling hours and a mass will be celebrated at the Holy Rosary Church, Rochester on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gerry's Food Pantry, c/o SHARE Fund, 183 North Main Street, Rochester, NH 03867. To sign the on line guest book, please visit www.GrondinFuneralHome.com.
Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Corinne and Family and Brother Gerry;My deepest sympathy to all of you.Has you all know Ray was one of my bestfriend of our early years,he will be in my prayers always.
Louis Levesque
May 20, 2012
Corinne,
I am so sorry to hear that Ray had died. May your wonderful memories and the comfort of family and friends help you through this sad time.
Maureen(gym friend)
May 17, 2012
I remember bringing my grandfather to "get his ears lowered" every few weeks and Mr. Gravel was always such a joy. He'd give my girls lollipops while we waited for Grampa. It was like stepping back in time when entering his shop. He was a good, kind hearted soul with a warm welcoming smile. My deepest sympathies to your family. Truly, Dory Gibson
Dory Gibson
May 14, 2012
I used to bring my three boys reguarly for haircuts. Mr. Gravel always got a kick out of them. Sometimes I think he tried to get them going, all in good fun. The boys and I remember him fondly and are saddened by his passing. Our deepest sympathies to the family.
Penny Baker
May 14, 2012
Our Sincere Sympathy and Prayers are with you all at this time.
Sincerely Anita BairdPhilbin & Family
Anita BairdPhilbin
May 14, 2012
Corinne, I know that you will miss your precious husband Ray. My husband Gil addressed him as "Mr. Raymond," and they had a very special relationship. Ray gave him his last haircut not long before his death in 1999. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May the love and support of family friends bring you comfort in your journey through grief.
Mary Ross
May 14, 2012
My condolences to Corinne and the Gravel family. Ray was a childhood neighbor, a friend and a darn good barber. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Ray Turmelle
May 14, 2012
Dear Corinne and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Love, Bob and Lori Ouellette
Bob & Lori Ouellette
May 13, 2012
To Corrine and family: My deepest prayers are with you all. Ray was a wonderful person and well likd. We all had many a laugh together.
Sincerely,
Alice (Smart) Peters
Alice Peters
May 13, 2012
May 13 2012
Our deepest sympathy on Ray's passing. We remember him as a friend and classmate. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Harvey & Roberta Paquin
Florence SC.
May 12, 2012
Aunt Corinne and family,
Sending you my deepest condolences and thinking of you.
Rorie Zuzick
May 12, 2012
Dear Corinne,Our sincere sympathy in the loss of Ray.Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,Ray was a great friend and classmate.
Bob & Jeanne Ferland
May 12, 2012
Marc and Bonnie. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your faimly.
Dan MacIntre and Claire Dixon
May 12, 2012
my deepest sympathy to the Gravel family
He was a great guy,loving in every way to you all,and may I say what a laugh this man had,can hear him now,he was a lover of life,and will be thought of always with a smile.
my thought's are with you all,and I know his son is showing him the way~~~~~~~~~~~god bless,LeAnne Fournier
leanne fournier
May 11, 2012
To the Gravel Family,
Our condolences and sympathy at the time Ray's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill & Donna Butland
May 11, 2012
Corinne, Our sympathy to you and your family in your loss. Walt and I remember you both from our many years together at the hockey rink. Connie and Walter King, Rochester, NH
May 11, 2012
Corinne, I remember fondly seeing you at Frisbie. I am so sorry that Ray died.
My thoughts are with you.
love, Louise Doherty
Louise Doherty
May 11, 2012
My condolences to Ray's family and friends. When my son was young I always took him to Ray's barbershop. While he clipped my son's hair,Ray and I would talk about Rochester. He knew a lot about the history of the town's many buildings. Ray was part of Rochester's history and many of us will never forget him.
S. C.
May 11, 2012
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
george turner
May 11, 2012
Marc, Bonnie and Family,
We are sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mark and De Desharnais
May 11, 2012
I was a fellow merchant on Hanson St, for many years and enjoyed Ray's wit and smile and even though it has been 35 years or so since we talked I will miss him .
Dick Fabian
May 11, 2012
We are all very sad about the passing of Uncle Ray from this world. We know that he is now laughing and joking with those that have been patiently waiting in heaven for him. Our prayers are with all of you.
Brad, Kathleen, Connor, Carson, and Ellie Nutt
May 11, 2012
We are sad to hear about Ray's passing. He was a good friend and always had a funny story to tell. Becky and I are keeping you all in our prayers.
Dan and Becky Knox
May 11, 2012
My condolences to Ray's family.
He was a gentleman, a good barber & he sure had some good jokes! :)
Peter Charron
May 11, 2012
Dear Connie & Family, I am so very sorry to hear of Ray's passing. "Mr. Gravel" cut my hair in my youth and into adulthood, along with my Dad and brothers too. He was a dear friend and our next door neighbor for as long as I can remember. My sincere condolences to the Gravel family. Rest In Peace Mr. Gravel. Bob Roberg
Bob Roberg
May 11, 2012
Our sincere condolences.
The Homemakers Health Services
May 11, 2012
Dear Friends, We are saddened and sorry with the passing of your Father. Our hearts and thoughts are with you all. Love, Neil and Kim Lemieux
Neil and Kim Lemieux
May 11, 2012
I was blessed to have known Ray.
John Johnstone
May 11, 2012
Mike and family,
Our deepest condolences go out to your family. May the wonderful memories you shared get you through this difficult time. Steve & Cathy Plotkin
Steve & Cathy Plotkin
May 11, 2012
I'm sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.Rest in Peace.
Kelly Mac Neill - Russo
May 11, 2012
The thing that I remember the most about Uncle Ray was his great laugh and smile. I don't think that I ever saw him without a smile. He was always telling a funny story or joke. The way he would always tease my mom would always make me laugh. The world lost a great man but heaven gained an angel!
Kathleen (McHale) Nutt
May 11, 2012
Ray Gravel was my barber for many years.
I was a son of a barber and I knew a good
hair cut. He became my friend and I
enjoyed his conversation with me through
the years. Rochester was in good hands
as he led the championship teams at
Holy Rosary School as a great coach.
He was a wonderful man and his legacy
will live on for many years.
Brad Trafton
Rochester, New Hampshire
Brad Trafton
May 10, 2012
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
Funeral services provided by:
Grondin Funeral Home - Rochester177 North Main Street, Rochester, NH 03867
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