Gene E. Raby

Gene E. Raby of Chelmsford; 93 CHELMSFORD Gene E. Raby, 93, a resident of Chelmsford since 1948, passed away quietly at his home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, February 11, 2009. He was the beloved husband of Teresa C. (Paquette) Raby with whom he celebrated their 70th Anniversary on April 17, 2008 and who survives him and resides in Chelmsford. He was born on March 8, 1915 in Salem, a son of the late Emile and Marie (Jalbert) Raby. He served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard with the 10th Horse Drawn Field Artillary Unit and was a Veteran of WWII having served with the United States Army attached to the 196th Infantry Regiment. He had worked for 54 years at Purity Supreme Supermarket, retiring as a Senior Vice President. While at Purity he was a pioneer of the self service modern supermarket industry as it is known today. He was a communicant of St. Mary's Church, Chelmsford. Mr. Raby volunteered for 20 years at the Chelmsford Senior Center and was active in the Massachusetts Senior Olympics in which he held several Gold Medals in the Tennis category. He was a member of the Chelmsford Volunteer Fire Dept. in the 1940's and 1950's and a founding member of the Chelmsford Swim and Tennis Club. One of his many accomplishments was receiving the Outstanding Service Award from the United Way and a Citation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for his dedication to the retired senior volunteer program. He was a sports enthusiast who loved the Patriots, Red Sox and the Boston College Eagles. He enjoyed traveling the world and documenting his trips. In addition to his loving wife he is survived by three sons, Norman Raby and his wife Carole of Naples, FL, Richard Raby of Westford and Thomas Raby and his wife Helen of Wells, ME, a daughter, Christine Pude and her husband William of Westford, nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. RABY Gene E. Raby, 93, of Chelmsford, died on Wednesday, February 11, 2009. Visiting hours will be held on Friday afternoon from 3 to 7pm at the BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday morning at 9 o'clock at St. Mary's Church, 25 North Rd., Chelmsford. Interment in Pine Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Gene's name to the Friends of the Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Rd., N. Chelmsford, MA 01863. Arrangements by BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, Chelmsford. www.blakefuneralhome.com