Philippe O. Raiche

Philippe O. Raiche, 93, entered into eternal rest on February 23, 2017. Born in Webster, MA, son of the late Eli and Alida (Bousquet) Raiche, he spent most of his life in Agawam and the last two years at the Holyoke Soldier’s Home. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in December he left school and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, he left the Marines in 1946, but stayed a lifelong proud Marine. While in the service he saw action in Guadalcanal in 1942, Rendova and New Georgia in 1943 and Occupation and defense of Guam in 1944. He was awarded the Presidential unit citation 1st Marine division for Guadalcanal, Naval unit commendation for Rendova-New Georgia, Army unit commendation (XIV Corps) for consolidation of southern Solomoms, commendation letters (USMC-Army-Navy) for capture and occupation of Guam, campaign ribbons include American campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign WWII Victory, National Defense, Navy Occupation and Good Conduct. He worked for 30 years at Hamilton Standard Division of United Technologies, retiring in 1982. At the time of his retirement he was a supervisor for Methods and Standards. He was a senior member of American Institute of industrial engineering and a member of the New England time study association. He graduated from the evening division of Agawam High School, attended STCC and UMass Extension division. Philippe was active in his community first as a town meeting member representing precinct 6 in
Agawam. He served as scoutmaster of Boy Scout troop 82 from 1960-61 and Troop 77 sponsored by the Men’s club at St. John the Evangelist Church in Agawam from 1961 – 1980. He was awarded Scouter’s training award, Scouter’s key, district award of merit and the Silver Beaver-the highest award given by the Scout council. He was also awarded the St George’s Cross the highest award in catholic scouting. He continued in scouting as chairman and post advisor of Troop 76 at St Theresa’s Church. In his church St John’s and St Theresa’s in Agawam he spent over thirty-six years in the Religious Education Program, received the Pius 10 award and served six years as president of the Hampden west deanery while serving as administrator of Religious Education at the former St Theresa’s parish in Agawam, the church he was married in. He is predeceased by his wife Jean E. (Robinson) Raiche of fifty-two years, who passed in 1998. He is survived by 2 sons, Donald P. and his wife Dorothy of Lenox and David L. and his wife Paula of Agawam and 4 grandchildren Guy and his wife Kathy of Russell, Todd and his wife Julie of Springfield, Sean, and Wayne and his wife Marie of Feeding Hills, and 8 great-grandchildren, Zach, Lisa, Ashley, Makylee, Colton, Cabull, Emily and Megan as well as many nieces, nephews and friends including his special friend Jane. The funeral will be Monday at 10am at the AGAWAM CURRAN-JONES FUNERAL HOME, 745 Cooper Street with a Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church at 11. The burial will follow in Agawam Center Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday from 2-5pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Holyoke Soldier’s Home, 100 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040.