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Merle Raven Obituary
1936 - 2018
AUGUSTA - Merle E. Raven, 81, died in hospice in Scarborough on Thursday, April 5, 2018, after having suffered a severe stroke at his home.
He was born in Knox on April 24, 1936, the sixteenth child of William Henry and Naomi Pearl (Carmichael) Raven's 17 children. Merle grew up in Thorndike and graduated from Freedom Academy.
Merle is survived by his wife Valerie. They were married for over 59 years and she was the love of his life. He is also survived by his three children, Michelle DiPietrantonio and husband Peter of Westbrook, David Raven and wife Karen of Moscow, Pa., Roxanne Marsh and husband Wade of Misawa Air Base, Japan; his eight grandchildren, Nicholas Raven of New York, N.Y., Kelly DiPietrantonio of Boston, Mass., Michael Raven of Philadelphia, Pa., Kaitlyn Raven of Moscow, Pa., Evan DiPietrantonio of Culver City, Calif., Tanisha, Taina, and Wade Marsh Jr. of Misawa Air Base, Japan; siblings, Judy Porter of Thorndike and Minnie Raven of Thorndike.
Merle was a dedicated and dependable employee. After he retired from Digital Equipment Company, he continued to work part time at Hannaford Supermarkets, just to keep busy and stay active. Merle was a very kind and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Everyone enjoyed Merle's sense of humor and quick wit and anyone who met him knew instantly what a nice and caring man he was. It was a great comfort to him to be surrounded by his family. He enjoyed hunting, camping, cooking, and gardening. He loved to read, do outdoor activities, and take his beloved dog on walks. And of course, he always enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox and Celtics!
He was predeceased by brothers Lawrence Raven, Earl Raven, Harold Raven, Seth Raven, Daniel Raven, William Raven and Carl Raven, and by sisters Lila Bryant, Edith Porter, Alfreda Moore, Ethel Pattee, Ferne Thompson, and Mabel Larrabee.
A private burial will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
To view Merle's guestbook or leave an online condolence please visit www.coastalcremationservices.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Merle Raven
Nikki Nolton
April 14, 2018
Val and family,
Sorry for your loss, Merle was a soft spoken nice man, he would joke and he'd continue on with his walk with pooh bear .. he will be greatly missed by all.
Laura Ross
April 14, 2018
I am so, so sorry, Valerie. I know this must be hard. My condolences and love. I am here for you.
Mary R. Bellino
April 13, 2018
Sending sympathy and love to the Raven family. God grant Mr. Raven eternal rest & peace.
Sincerely,
John & Mary Bellino
Davis Family
April 13, 2018
Valerie, So sorry to read about the passing of Merle. Our deepest sympathy to you, family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. Remember Jesus' loving invitation at Matt. 11:28-30.
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Debbie Flaherty
April 13, 2018
Merle was such a nice man and enjoyable to be around! And he was such a great grandfather and I know how loved he was!
Ellie Duley
April 13, 2018
My sincere condolences to the Raven family.
April 13, 2018
Merle was a wonderful uncle and will be missed. Thinking of you all.
Tammy Colter
April 12, 2018
On behalf of myself, Wendell, and Grace-we extend our heartfelt condolences to Val, Michelle, David, and Roxanne and to the family and friends of Merle. We will remember him fondly for his warm smile, sense of humor and kind heart.
Cindy Potter
April 11, 2018
Thinking of you all at this time and sending hugs your way. Uncle Merle was a wonderful man and would put a smile on everyone's face that walked by him. I thought a lot of Uncle Merle and will always have etched in my mind the time that he would pick me up and twirl me around. The smallest things made me feel loved by him. Love to you all Cindy Raven Potter
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