Raymond Haerry

1921 - 2016

Raymond Haerry

1921 - 2016

BORN

1921

DIED

2016

Raymond Haerry Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 7, 2016.
Raymond Haerry, 94, one of the last alive of those who were on the USS Arizona during the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, died Tuesday, Sept. 27, in Rhode Island.

An explosion threw Haerry, who was 19 at the time of the attack, into the water. After swimming to shore, he helped defend against the attack and then to recover bodies after the attack had ended.

Haerry remained in the Navy, retiring as a master chief after serving for 25 years. He was one of six living Arizona crew members before his death.

Haerry's son, Raymond Jr., suggested to The Associated Press that his father will be put to rest in Pearl Harbor: "As he was getting closer to the end, I think he felt that if there's any place that he'd like to be at rest, it would be with his crewmates, the people who suffered and died on that day."

Raymond Haerry is survived by his son, Raymond Haerry Jr., and his wife of 70 years, Evelyn Haerry.

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May 29, 2023

Martha Teixeira-Baker posted to the memorial.

May 28, 2023

donna hokirk schisler posted to the memorial.

May 12, 2023

Bob Owens posted to the memorial.

96 Entries

Martha Teixeira-Baker

May 29, 2023

I just watched the PBS documentary following the story and interment of Mr Haerry, a fellow Rhode Islander. My condolences, and thanks, to his family for allowing us to travel with him to his final resting place. All of us owe him a debt of gratitude for his brave service.

donna hokirk schisler

May 28, 2023

Just watched the pbs special and the honors bestowed on ray haerry, thank you is not enough for mr haerry and all our service people.

Bob Owens

May 12, 2023

Just saw the PBS special. What a great way to keep his memory alive.

Dorothy Johnson

December 21, 2022

RIP Raymond Haerry. I´m glad you are resting with your crew mates. I went to Pearl Harbor to visit the memorial 12/20/22. It brought me to tears because I know freedom is not free.
From a Navy Veteran wife D. Johnson

Andy Hamilton

January 13, 2019

I just saw the PBS special about Mr Haerry. I did not know Mr.Haerry but I want to tell the family how touching it was. He was part of history. He now rests with his shipmates for eternity.
Rest in peace Sir.

November 12, 2017

I just viewed the interment ceremony aboard USS Arizona for Master Chief Haerry on PBS and wish to express my condolences to his family. Master Chief Haerry was my Assistant Company Officer, Charlie Company, Class 60, US Navy Officers Candidate School, April to August 1961. He helped turn 120 civilian landlubbers into approximations of US Naval Officers. For his help the entire company reserved its first salute and presented him with a bag of 120 silver dollars.
He once asked that, should any of us go to the Arizona Memorial, we lay a wreath on his behalf. While I have not visited, a friend did a few years ago and at my request laid a wreath on behalf of Chief Haerry.

R.S. Pino
Lieutenant USNR
[email protected]

Genia Stephenson

April 21, 2017

Thank You for your dedicated military service, Raymond. I treasure the freedom our military protects. "Freedom isn't free".

Sylvia Preciado-Platero

April 20, 2017

Thank you for your honorable service, Sir.
From a proud Navy wife,

Dave Smith

April 17, 2017

Fair Winds and Following Seas Master Chief Haerry. God Bless you and your Shipmares.

November 1, 2016

Thank you for your service to the United States of America. Rest in Peace, a true hero

chuck pepin

October 24, 2016

Ray our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Thank you for all the stories you told us about your Dad wish we could have met him. You and your mom will be in our thoughts and prayers. Chuck and Glenda Pepin

The Urban Family

October 18, 2016

Our sympathy to Raymond's wife Evelyn and family. RIP Sir...your memory will live on in the hearts of this great and free nation. Our heartfelt thanks for your service and sacrifices. God Bless.

Patricia Heath

October 18, 2016

Thank you for serving your country Sir. From the daughter of a Chief Petty Officer of the US Navy I admired you for your courage and service to your country. You will be dearly missed by those who knew you and those who admired you. Rest in peace Sir. ~salutes you~

Jay Miller

October 17, 2016

My heart is deeply touched by the living and passing of Mr. Haerry. Although I did not know him personally, I am grateful for his many sacrifices for our country. May his memory be with us always.

Does anyone know how I might contact his family about helping in their quest to lay him to rest at the USS Arizona?

October 16, 2016

So sorry for your loss. May you
find comfort from our
loving Creator,
"He hears their cry for help, and he rescues them."
~ Psalms 145:19

Andrew J. Cannata, AIA

October 15, 2016

Thank you sir, from the bottom of my heart, for the huge sacrifice that you made to help make this the great country that it is. Rest in peace. - From a baby-boomer who did not have to go to war because of brave men like you.

Stephen Moley

October 15, 2016

We have lost one of the true great men who defended our country at Pearl Harbor
I live in Pennsylvania and want to extend my deepest sympathy to his wife of 70 years plus his son and family plus his fellow comrades who passed before him
God bless the 5 remaining men who now forge forward
RIP for your commitment
Steve Moley
Camp Hill PA

Colin Heath

October 14, 2016

A truely brave man rest in peace .

Richard Hubbard

October 14, 2016

Great man who Lived a Great life.

Thanks for all you have done for our County.

Rest in Peace.

Mandy Kin

October 14, 2016

To the family of Mr. Haerry our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Being a daughter and grandsons of a World War II veteran we want to thank you Mr. Haerry!

Mandy Pride-Kin and Alex, Ricky and Ramon

Suzanne S. Mycyk

October 14, 2016

Memory eternal, Master Chief Haerry! Thank you for your service. We honor your service to the United States. To the surviving Haerry family members, our condolences for your loss

Norm Campbell

October 14, 2016

Rest in peace, Sir...your work is done. Not many in this generation possess the courage, dedication and love of country that the men of "The greatest Generation" did. I wish I had the chance to speak to more of these brave men. My dad was part of that proud group and there can be no doubt that they are true American heroes. God Bless.

AJ Conte

October 14, 2016

To the family of Mr. Haerry I am so sorry for your loss. I heard stories from my parents about Pearl Harbor, my Dad born three years after Mr. Haerry served in the U.S. Army as a medic during WWII.

I applaud Mr. Haerry's service and those of World War II, especially those at Pearl Harbor that day of terrorism/war. Also the brave crew of the USS Arizona. So many lives were lost that day and the greatest amount of lives lost were on the Arizona.

Blessings to the entire Haerry family in this time of loss.

Again Thank you for your brave service Mr. Haerry. May God Bless You and your family in perpetuity.

Ira White

October 14, 2016

Thank you sir for your service.

October 14, 2016

A member of "The Greatest Generation," as was my dad. RIP, Mr. Haerry...ya done good!! You're one of my heroes, for sure!! I was born on Dec. 7, 1952, so "A date which will live in infamy," is a very special date to me. Thanks for your service, Mr. Haerry!!!

Mark George Holub

Louis Brown

October 14, 2016

A true American hero has passed!!!! I thank you for your service to our country. And I think I can speak for many Americans who wish we had more citizens like Mr. Haerry.
May he rest in peace!!!!!!

Raul Gallardo

October 14, 2016

RIP Master Chief.....

Tennia Cole

October 14, 2016

Please accept my sympathies for those who remain. Thank God for this wonderful, brave and selfless Patriot! May he rest in peace and may all his family be blessed.

October 14, 2016

I am a daughter of a world war2 veteran. I thank you.

Deborah Lord

October 14, 2016

Condolences to Mr. Haerry's Family and Friends.

Adrian Barnette

October 12, 2016

We'll miss you !

Richard Pumphrey

October 12, 2016

I did not know your father but I want you to know your country thanks him for his service and wishes him peace and eternal rest with his shipmates.

Jim Martin

October 12, 2016

My dad was on the West Virginia, next door to the Arizona. He was always very hesitant to speak of the details concerning that fateful day, except in the presence of a fellow WWII vet. Theirs was such a special and blessed generation, when a man's word or handshake was as good if not better than a written contract, women appreciated the attention and manners of a gentleman, and those who ran for public office actually did so for the common good. May our fellow American and servant for the cause of freedom be enjoying the matchless bliss of intimate communion with Christ Jesus our Lord, and may all who read this message do what we all need to do if we haven't already, that we may enjoy a foretaste of the eternal glory which awaits all true believers in Him.......Rom. 10:9-13.

M Eickholt

October 12, 2016

I salute you Master Chief Raymond Haerry. May you rest in peace.

Karen Bezman

October 12, 2016

My deepest sympathy to your family on the loss of not only you loved one but a true American hero. May he rest in eternal peace. So sorry for not only your loss but America's loss.

October 11, 2016

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.

ccc

October 11, 2016

With deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. May it comfort you to know that Raymond will return to his youthful vigor as promised at Job 33:25.

Kevin M. McCaffrey

October 11, 2016

Thank you for your service Master Chief. It is brave heroes like you who made America the greatest country the world has ever known. Now you're with your brothers who made the ultimate sacrifice that terrible day. They no doubt have been waiting for you. Rest easy shipmate, we now have the watch. Fair winds and following seas.

Kevin M. McCaffrey
CPO Retired, USN

Stephanie Bennett

October 11, 2016

One of the best and most soul wrenching experiences of my life was my visit to the Arizona Memorial. A place that will never leave me as so many beautiful Men never left it. Master Chief may Fair Winds and Following Seas return you to your O'hana. Aloha and Peace to this Hero. Amen

Mrs. Smith

October 11, 2016

My grandpa's elementary school mate was on the ship that horrible day. I never saw my grandpa get emotional except when he showed us a class picture and pointed him out and told us the story. Thank you, sir, for your service.

T C

October 11, 2016

My deepest sympathies to the Haerry family for the loss of Raymond. May God's Word strengthen you during this time of mourning. (Isa. 41:10,13)

Michael Phinnney YNCS RET.

October 11, 2016

Master Chief thank God for people like you who truly loved America. Rest easy my friend and thank you for your service and I ask God now to bless you for eternity and give comfort to your family.

Joyce Hough

October 10, 2016

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE AND LEFT FOR THIS GENERATION PRAYING FOR THE FAMILY OF THIS WONDERFUL MAN

Jane Dowling

October 10, 2016

God bless you ~ thank you for your service.

Don

October 10, 2016

Master Chief, Thank you for your service and for being there when our country needed you. You will not be forgotten. May you rest in God's loving arms. I pray that God will give your family peace.

Michele Moriarty

October 10, 2016

My condolences and prayers to your family at this very sad time want to thank you for your service sir you are courageous and will not be forgotten rest in peace

Paul Alan

October 9, 2016

It will be 75 years since the bombs fell on Pearl Harbor on this coming December 7, 2016. Why should we remember the young men on the USS Arizona or honor our Veterans from the Greatest Generation, men like Raymond Haerry, who are now going into the night? BECAUSE THEY LET COURAGE DO THEIR TALKING, WE ARE FREE TO SPEAK OUR MINDS. BECAUSE THEY FOUGHT AGAINST TYRANNY, WE ARE FREE TO WORSHIP AS WE PLEASE. BECAUSE THEY GAVE UP THE COMFORTS OF HOME, WE ARE FREE FROM WANT. BECAUSE THEY PUT THEMSELVES IN HARM'S WAY, WE ARE FREE TO LIVE WITHOUT FEAR.

Doug Sneider

October 9, 2016

To Raymond's family.... My heart felt condolences to you and your family ! Loved the story about his life in the Armed Services and his decision to be laid to rest with his fellow shipmates ! Its too bad his story wasn't in the Headlines where it should have been !! God bless you all !!

Tammi Taylor

October 9, 2016

Thank you for your service, sir. My condolences to the family and his wife of 70 years....what an inspiration. I hope there are funds to fly his family to Hawaii, if not, I will gladly contribute to ensure your father is laid to rest with honor.

October 9, 2016

Dear Mrs. Haerry and Family,
we extend our heartfelt sympathy to you.May our
Lord and Savior give you
comfort and peace in your hearts today and the days ahead.Appreciate Mr.Haerry service to our
country,USA.
Our "Prayers" and thoughts are with you.
The Hall Family S.C.

T S

October 9, 2016

May the family find comfort In the loving memories.

Harry Simpson

October 9, 2016

Fair winds and following seas sailor.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

Ollie Pham

October 9, 2016

You Sir, are truly a HERO,may you rest in peace and reunite with all your friends that did not make it on that sad day in history,God Bless you and Thank you for your Service Sir.

Letitia Wells

October 9, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. Although your hearts are filled with pain and sorrow, our prayer is that you gain comfort and hope from God's promise to reunite us with our love ones on the earth, never having to say goodbye again. For Jesus will make this earth the problem-free paradise that His Father intended it to be. We have gained comfort and strength from this promise, may your family do the same.

October 9, 2016

God had a plan for you to survive the attack on Pearl Harbor. Thank you for your service sir. Now rest in God's loving arms! May He continue to bless your family.

Mary Montgomery
South Carolina

Rose F.

October 9, 2016

Our hearts are sadden by the loss of Raymond Haerry, a national surviving hero of WWII. At times of such sorrow, few words of comfort may be all that you can bear, so take hold of GOD's hand, and HE will comfort you every morning during this time of distress. (Isaiah 33:2)I give my most deepest and sincerest condolence to your family.

Frank Yamond

October 8, 2016

Bless you sir, my condolences to your family.
Your heartwarming story appeared in Newsday. Long Island NY paper. Thank you for your service to our America before, during and after WWII.

Linda

October 8, 2016

Thank You For Your Service. RIP Now Sir.

Carl Scott

October 8, 2016

To the family,
I salute Raymond Haerry. I just saw a video a few days ago about the survivors wanting to buried on the USS Arizona. He was a hero and deserves to be with his crew.

God Bless him

Stan McBee

October 8, 2016

To the Haerry Family:
My father also served in WWII; and never forgot the experiences he had and friendships he made...I lost him in 2010 but I know he would want me to offer my condolences and gratitude for your loved one's service; please know a grateful nation will never forget...

Yours truly,

October 8, 2016

God bless your family, thank you sir, for your service to our country!

Scott Chamberland

October 8, 2016

Rest in Peace

Donna

October 8, 2016

I Salute You, Sir. Bless you, Evelyn...And all your Family.

Rob Sperry

October 8, 2016

Hello,
I read the article in my local paper in Lancaster, Pa. I am a vet and a school teacher at Warwick High School in Lititz Pa. I like to do something special for Veterans day each year and from the article I understand you want to take your fathers remains to the USS Arizona. The paper said you would do it when you could afford it. With your permission, I would like to have a fundraiser District wide that could raise some money toward the expenses need to get you to Hawaii. My email is [email protected]. I will be asking my administration on Tuesday, 10/11 to get permission to have the fundraiser. I also want to give you and your family my deepest condolences. Thank you to your father for his service!

Julie Berke

October 8, 2016

Thank you for your bravery and service. Well done.

Patty Penn

October 8, 2016

Thank you for all you did for our country, Sir. God Bless you...may your family find peace and comfort in this difficult time.

October 8, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Susan Harrelson

October 8, 2016

Thank you for your service SIR .
Rest in peace.

October 8, 2016

Beloveds, I am truly sorry to hear about Raymond Haerry. What a long and full life! So many cannot say the same. May he forever live in your hearts and in God's book of life.

October 8, 2016

I offer my condolences for your loss. May your family find peace and comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more.

Bob Nichols

October 8, 2016

I symbolically stand and salute you Chief for your service to our country. Because you and others were there is the reason we live in in freedom today.

Cheryl Lynn

October 8, 2016

My sincere condolences to the Harry family and friends. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time.

Jeri Rohus

October 8, 2016

Rest In Peace Soldier! We will remember you always!

October 8, 2016

These brave and oh so young men of our "Greatest Generation" were the epitome of heroism. What this man and others did that day to help their fellow countrymen was beyond words. You dear sir make us proud to be Americans. May you now rest in eternity with your comrades in arms.
A grateful American

Jack Holt

October 7, 2016

Fair winds and following seas, Master Chief

October 7, 2016

A TRUE HERO.
REST IN PEACE.

October 7, 2016

We thank you for your service and sacrifice You were truly part of the Greatest Generation.... RIP....

Fr. Peter Mallin

October 7, 2016

Thank you for your service to our great nation. To have survived the destruction of the USS Arizon was nothing short of a miracle; not to mention to live another 75 years to tell future generations your story. My father was in Tokyo Bay the day the surrender documents were signed on board the USS Missouri. To have the two ships now moored almost side-by-side at pearl Harbour is testimoney to the "Greatest Generation".

Janice Brumby

October 7, 2016

What an honorable courageous man! A true Hero! Thank you Mr. Haerry for your service and now may you rest in peace. God bless you and your family.

Lisa and family

October 7, 2016

What a true hero,in every sense of the word... Thank you for all you have done for all Americans ... God bless his family n friends at this difficult time.. Keeping you all in our prayers...

Matt Remson

October 7, 2016

What a hero!! Thank you Mr. Haerry for your sacrifice and service to the people of the United States. This country needs more people like you. May God bless you and your family. Sail in peace my friend.

Juana Rae Wollenhaupt

October 7, 2016

To Mr. Haerry's Family: My dad was also at Pearl Harbor that day serving in the U.S. Army at Hickam Field. I, too, am a lady veteran of the U.S. Navy. My dad passed in 1997, but he always had tears when he spoke about "Pearl". It is an honor to remember your dad, today. Thank you Mr. Haerry, for your service. May God Bless and comfort all of you at this time.

Rick Grubb

October 7, 2016

Dear Mr. Haerry, Thanks for your devoted service, from one former sailor to a greatest generation sailor, may you r. i. p., with your family having wonderful memories

Diana Patton

October 7, 2016

My prayers to Mr. Haerry's family. My grandfather was at Pearl Harbor so long ago. He was a Marine Colonel. May God be with Mr. Haerry's family. and thanks to Mr. Haerry for being so brave to help his fellow sailors. God bless him and God bless his family.

Michele Cowan

October 7, 2016

Wow! What a legacy. My sincere condolences on your loss. My wish is that Raymond gets to reconnect with his fellow crew mates and spends eternity reminiscing about the good times.

October 7, 2016

May it comfort you to know that God as well as others care about your loss at this time.

Sincerely

Anthony Wood

October 7, 2016

Thank you sir, for your service. Rest In Peace

Thomas Ellis

October 7, 2016

Thank You Sir,
A generation of young men that will never be duplicated again.

October 7, 2016

God Bless You and Keep You Chief

Luvy.

October 7, 2016

RIP Mr. Harrry, thank you for your service

J Levitre

October 7, 2016

There is no greater legacy than a life well lived. Thank you for your brave service, Sir, and may you Rest in Peace.

To The Family of this Sailor: Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us everyday.

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May 29, 2023

Martha Teixeira-Baker posted to the memorial.

May 28, 2023

donna hokirk schisler posted to the memorial.

May 12, 2023

Bob Owens posted to the memorial.