Raymond Chandonnet

1933 - 2017

Raymond Chandonnet
retired teacher, accountant

and music director

LOWELL -- Raymond E. Chandonnet, 84, a resident of the Centralville section of Lowell, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, August 20, 2017. He was the loving husband of Pauline L. (Duquette) Chandonnet, with whom he would have celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on October 12.

Born in Lowell on April 3, 1933, he was a son of the late Edward J. and Albina (Beaudoin) Chandonnet.

Raymond's passions were in his faith, culture, education, and music as well as bookkeeping. A highly educated man, his language consisted of Latin, French and English. He received his Bachelor's degree in social studies and liberal arts from Merrimack College in 1957 and his teacher's certification in 1960 where he became a beloved and well-remembered English teacher in the Lowell Public school system for over 30 years. During his teaching years he also received his Master's Degree in French from Rivier College in 1967. In addition to his career in teaching he also worked part time as a bookkeeper at various small companies, including Robinson Top Dye, Lifelinks, Inc., Aberjona Auto Parts and Merrimack Repertory Theater in order to pay for his children's college degrees. Prior to his teaching he pursued his passion in his faith in the Seminary and then enlisted in the US Army Reserves in1957 and was honorably discharged in 1963.

Prior to his passing, Raymond was a member of the Franco-American Day Committee where he was honored with the Man of the Year award by the veterans of St. Louis Church in 1990. He was actively involved in the former parish of St. Louis de France as a choir singer and director, a member of La Chorale Orion and the Spindle City Singers as well as a cantor at the St. Joseph the Worker Shrine.

In addition to his wife Pauline, he is survived by his children, Danielle Chandonnet of Manchester NH, Raymond Chandonnet and his wife Sheila of Summit, NJ, Michelle Gagnon and her husband Brian of Dracut, Paul Chandonnet and his wife Christianne of Flemington, NJ and Melanie Chandonnet of Dracut; his only surviving sibling, Rita Frechette; sisters-in-law, Mae Chandonnet, Simonne Chandonnet, Constance Jussaume and Elaine Duquette; as well as nine grandchildren, Christopher Feltes, Julia and Henry Chandonnet, Anthony and Eric Catenacci, Brian and Brandon Gagnon, Andrew and Aiva Pitman; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Celeste Chandonnet, his brothers, Jerry and his wife Yvette, Emile and his wife Imelda, Arthur and his wife Doris, Robert and Edward J. Jr., his sisters, Claire, Ida and Alice and her husband Lucien Cote, his brothers-in-law, Sylvio Frechette and Paul Duquette.

CHANDONNET -- Relatives and friends are invited to Ray's Life Celebration on Wednesday from 4 until 8 PM at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday morning at 11 AM in Ste. Marguerite D'Youville Church, 1340 Lakeview Ave., Dracut. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray's name may be made to: The Jimmy Fund, c/o Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO BOX 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or St. Joseph the Worker Shrine, 37 Lee Street, Lowell, MA 01852. For directions or condolences, please visit www.mckennaouellette.com.