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Raphael J. "Ray" Brenegan
Raphael J. "Ray" Brenegan
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Raphael Brenegan Obituary
Born in Brooklyn, NY, son of Grace (Locher) Brenegan, he was a graduate of Lynn Classical High School and was a resident of Lynn since 1968, previously residing in New York. He was a U S Army Veteran, serving from 1975- 1981.
He was employed at the General Electric Co., River Works as a machinist for over 23 years.
He was a member of Local 201 IUE AFL-CIO. He was an avid New York Yankees Fan, Montreal Canadiens Fan, and enjoyed sports. He also enjoyed bike riding along the Beach.
In addition to his mother, he leaves 2 sisters Nancy Martin & her husband Bob of Carolina Beach, No. Carolina, & Marianne Howard & her husband Al of Portsmouth, NH, 1 brother Kevin Brenegan of Lynn, and several nieces and nephews.
He was brother of the late Timothy Brenegan. Funeral Service in the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home 157 Maple St., Lynn Wednesday at 11 AM. Interment in St. Mary’s cemetery at a later date.
Brenegan of Lynn November 8, Mr. Raphael J. “Ray” of Margin St. Age 46, Son of Grace (Locher) Brenegan, Brother of Nancy Martin & her husband Bob, Marianne Howard & her husband Al, Kevin Brenegan and the late Timothy Brenegan.
Funeral Services in the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home 157 Maple St., Lynn Wednesday at 11 AM. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Visiting Hours Tuesday 2-4 & 7-9. At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice of the North Shore 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923. Directions & guestbook, www.cuffemcginn.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
MARIANNE HOWARD
November 9, 2021
Ray you are still loved and missed even thru all these years
now you have others with you,who loved you in life and missed you when you left us.
We definetly miss you and hope that you and Brian and Dean and Chip are with you.
Always loved Your family..
Ed King
December 9, 2003
Our condolences to the family.
Marianne Howard
December 5, 2003
Hey Little Brother, I just couldnt enter only one thing in this book because there is so many things I remember about you that I knew I had to share them with the others who read this book.
I can remeber the times we went to Coney I sland and Mom would give us each a nickle to but a soda at the soda mat. Remeber? We couldnt decide what kind to get there were so many. I remeber once a year she would let us go on all the rides. We had so much fun. I still remeber those pictues we took in those little photo booths. I still have some around here somwhere.
I remember me and you went to Helen and Jimmy's to eat one day. We had a delicious meal on the "good china" as Helen called it.
Speaking of that I went to your house today. Ray I can still feel you there. That was your palace and your place that you came home to and felt safe and warm. As I was sayin tho I came across a photo album and there were pictures of you and Helen and Jimmy in it when you went to Florida to visit them. What a special trip that must have been for you!
I also found your high school year book. You sure were a handsome dude in that class picture! What with that white suit and those beautiful curls in your hair, you must have been bowling the ladies over even then!
I will save those things in my "RAY" box. Its a special box that I have made up and it contains all the things that I know were special to you. Stuff from your army days, the letters you earned for sports in high school and I am going to keep the Canadiens Jacket with your name embroidered on it in the box too. When I am having a bad day and I need to talk to you and want to be close to you I will open that box and remeber all the things you were and all the things that were special to you.
I will miss you so much "BIG BROTHER" (even tho I am older.) I wanted to do so much for you to make your life so much easier and Ihope I did a good job.I loved you every minute of every day and I will always love you and tuck you and your wonderful memories away in a special place in my heart.
I know I will see you again and until that time, take care of your little brother Timmy who I am sure was waiting for you and watch over me and help me thru the times when missing you and losing you seems too much to bear.
I Love you. LOve your sister Marianne
Nanabug
December 1, 2003
Rafe'lle, As I always called you for a nick name. I think of you often. My memories as we were "growing up" are still fresh in my mind. The times when Mom would take us all to Coney Island; you would love to stay home all by yourself and watch the baseball game. Mom would leave you a special treat--you had peace and quiet, that was special to you, especially with 5 kids-all of us with loud mouths!!! Remember when we left NY to go to Boston--it was a big suprise to you. Your leaving Helen and Jimmy must have been very hard for you. But, YOU ARE A SURVIVOR !
I remember going to Frasier Field to watch you pitch "A no Hitter" in the Babe Ruth All Star game" Chip and I would sit on the "hill: to get a really good view.
How about your High School Graduation party at my house on Houghton St.---That was a blast!!
I still have pictures of you in that white suit that you so gallently wore. A "special feature of the "70's."
I remember your courageous efforts in the military and how you would call "Just to hear a familiar voice" and the time when you were called to duty during the blizzard of "78.
I remember your support and guidance during my difficult times in my first marriage. You were there to help both financially and morally. It was great to have a "big brother to help me out" even though I was your big sister.
I was at the hospital when your were diagnosed. I though I could change things. I tried so hard... but I eventually came to a dead end..--I ran up a $500 phone bill--in one month..I thought by learning everything about your disease ---I could change it---HAAA!!!--what a rude awakening.
However, my most fondest memories of you are the times we spent last winter--I got to your house December 10. We spent some special times--It worked really well because we are both Night owls. I have fond memories of cooking together, sharing in the household chores, shoveling snow, and shoveling snow, and shoveling snow.... we shoveled the snow off the balcoy to the front path and then had to shovel it again...we sure had alot of snow last year.
We shared our days together. We decorated your "little" christmas tree... and remember putting up the lights... The little M & M lights. ---You had a reaction to your chemo and it made your hands go numb----but we worker together. It was a special time. I came back to NC in April. I really missed you....When I came back in June we watched the Perfect Storm together... on my 50th birthday --- we called a pizza... (this memory will stay with me for ever) remember the hastle I had with blockbuster--they said I didn't return the movie----what a deal.
I am grateful for the time we shared--when I came back to NC I really missed not being with you---
The lord works in many ways--he allowed me to spend time with you.
He gave you Marianne to watch over you and spend special times alone when you were so sick--you had someone who would come to you at "the drop of a hat" to care for you amd be sure you recieved the proper treatment. She watched over you like a "Mother Hen".
Well big brother, I could go On and On and on and on. But I see no need for that.. I have cherished these memories in the deepest part of my heart... It comforts me that you are with Timmy "and keeping him in good hands as a big brother. I miss our late night phone calls and our calls between the world series=-- not so much this year but in years in the past...
Ray, your love for music was outstanding... we listened to music from the 60's to the 2000's we would talk through the night about our "favorite artist" ...of course ..you would know more than me.. so I just listened to you..you had so much knowledge in this field..it was amazing...
Rest in peace dear brother, be free of pain and lonliness. PLEASE WATCH OVER ME AND GUIDE ME. I will miss you but I know you are in a better place, free of pain "free of getting sticked" all the time. You are with our Creator, our God. You are one of the special ones that have been chosen by the Lord. It was a long struggle --but you were strong to the end--He needed your strength and perciverence... as a role model for others. You gave society a special gift. As a trial drug patient, you allowed many others to benefit from your experiences-- your trial use with Gemzar and Tomixifon... way before these drugs were approved... Your courage in using these drugs has benefited in medical research...You are highly commended...
This is not my goodbye to you..but just a short note till we meet again.......
Love and Kisses and Hugs,
Nanabug....
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Lisa Ouellette
December 1, 2003
Dear Maryanne and family, My prayers are with you for a bearable grieving period. I'm so sorry for your loss. What a great tribute.
Lisa Ouellette
Seana Howard
November 29, 2003
Uncle Ray,
I wanted to tell you Thank-You when I got to the hospital for something you bought for me a long time ago that meant so much to me when I was young, but I was too late and I never got to. I wanted to thank you for the Michael Jackson jacket I had under the Christmas Tree. I found out much later in life that it was from you and I wanted to tell you how much that meant to me. It was something I had wanted so badly at the time and I dreamed of it day and night. When my mom had told me you had got that for me I was so touched that you would buy something that was so expensive for the times to make a little girl's dream come true. I thank you from the very deepest part of me.
I will miss our phone calls and chit chat about anything and everything that would last for hours and make any long distance carrier happy to have me as a customer. I will miss you. I will always try to be as you have always told me to be. Myself. I will always try to do as you told me. Work hard, live happy and enjoy life, and make sure you are always doing "alright". I miss our talks, Uncle Ray. I love you.
Brittany Howard
November 29, 2003
To My Great Uncle:
I was told I met you as a child, I wish that I could remember. Your place in my family is as my "great" uncle, and that I have heard you were. I was told of your strength & great wisdom & saw you in my dad, the way you lived helped him live & be a great person for that. You were always talked about among the family as the "funny" guy, I wish I had had the chance to learn that for myself growing up, now that you are gone I can only hope I will see you oneday & you can teach me all that you taught my father about being a great person...
Marianne Howard
November 29, 2003
My Little Brother Ray,I want to say so much but I know there is no need to fill this space with all the memories I have of you. They are what will sustain me thru all the difficult times.
To you everyday was a good day even tho you were fighting a battle you just couldn't win. I will remember that when I have days that seem unbearable.
So now you can rest and I know that you are in a better place, free of pain and all the things you hated about your illness.
I will never forget you,we went thru alot together. I will always love you and hold you in a special place in my heart.
Love Marianne and Al
MICHAEL LOCHER
November 27, 2003
Dear Sister Grace, Nieces Nancy and Maryanne and Nephew Kevin,
I have been deeply saddened and very upset with the passing of your Ray.
Over the last 4 years I have bonded , received his advice,inspiration, assistance and positive influence in dealing with the problem both he and I shared. Becasue of his inspiration I kept positive composure when I was informed of my problem 4 years ago.
Dean Chiappini
November 23, 2003
Uncle Ray I'm sorry we couldn't have been there to say our goodbyes. I'm very thankful to have had an Uncle like you. I've alway's admired your hard work and dedication for what you believed in. You've made meaning to the saying "if you want something you have to work for it" and that you did to the end. I admired your courage in the mist of adversity You are nontheless, the greatest role model I could find for my Son Brandon and I really wish you could have seen our new born Twins. Someday when they get older I will tell them all about you. You will forever be missed, rest in peace uncle Ray. From Dean, Clara, Brandon, Natalee, and Nicole
Bob Zeid
November 18, 2003
Dear Bob & Nancy,
It's times like these that words seem to fall short of truly expressing the depth of what we feel. I'm so sorry about Ray. He was a good man and will surely be missed. After reading about his courageous battle with cancer ... especially pancreatic cancer ... I was moved to find the right words.
Albert Einstein once wrote that "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is. I believe in the latter."
I don't think I could have said it better ... and I don't think anybody could have typified that more than Ray.
Mike & Vickie Fisher
November 17, 2003
Nancy and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are sorry for your loss. Grief can be overwhelming, but may you find peace in the knowing that Ray is free from pain and lives on in your heart. Your memories, along with time, will help your heart to heal. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Please call or write if you need to talk.
With Love,
David & Jerri Martin
November 17, 2003
Nancy, friends and relatives,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Ray was a fighter who fought to the end. I'm sure your happy memories will always be with you.
Marta Jo and Ed Palmeter
November 17, 2003
Nancy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Brian Howard
November 15, 2003
Uncle Ray,
I'm sure most of what has been written in these legacy notes about how great you were etc..-your response would be " I know "- you had a confidence about yourself that some would say you were too "Cocky" but, without a doubt, that's what made you " Uncle Ray". I tried for years to convince you that " you live in New England "
so that meant, you root for the sox, bruins and pats- but you always kept faithfull to what you believed in- that's what aloud us to have enjoyed the many more years with you - beyond the doctors beliefs - you left many material things behind that you worked so hard for to your loving family but i can assure you- if we could trade it all for another 100 years of having you with us, " We Would " There is nothing that could ever replace the lessons and memories you left behind. I know i learned one very valuable lesson from you and it is something i started practicing from the moment i saw you on saturday and that is, " Believe in Yourself, Live your life to the fullest and let no one decide your future. You only fail if you don't try. "- i will miss you uncle ray- and i know alfie, seana, lisa and dean feel the same- we love you.
brian ( God Bless the CommonWealth )
Gingie Colclough
November 15, 2003
Ray will be missed by so many people. He made many, many true friends, all of whom were proud to be called his friends. I'm one of them. I'll miss you very much (((((RAY))))).
To all of his family, you guys have sooooooo many good memories of Ray. Keep them close to your heart. You're all in my prayers.
Love,
Gingie ~
Liz Sheehy
November 15, 2003
To the Family of Ray: Was so sorry to hear that Ray lost his battle with cancer. He was a trooper. His attitude was amazing. I worked at GE and knew Ray well. He would come into our Inspection room all the time and talk sports with my other co-worker. He was a character. Very well liked. I was sorry that I could not attend his wake or funeral. We just lost my husbands Father to Cancer Thursday morning. It's a tough illness, as you well know. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time. Happy memories will help keep him alive in your hearts. My deepest Sympathy, Liz Sheehy
Lisa Bernick
November 13, 2003
Uncle Ray,
I remeber when I was a little girl how you used to pick me up and spin me around then laugh when all I could do is walk in circles. I couldn't wait for your visits to our house I used to get so excited, I guess because you have that charisma about you. I couldn't help but laugh every time you were around cause your so funny. I think about you now not being in pain and that makes me feel good. You now have relief. I won't forget the talks we've had over the past few years. I'll always keep your advice in mind. I won't ever forget your big wet sloppy kisses either ... Eventhough I couldn't always be there physically my heart was always with you. I know you know that. I will miss you and always love you.... Your in heaven with Uncle Timmy and Eskimo now. You'll always be with me and I'm sure you'll be checking up on me, too from up there .... I love you
Lee Lee
Lisa Winston
November 11, 2003
Ray,
You became a neighbor, an acquaintance and then a friend. Your voice echoed through this rather quiet neighborhood and I am so glad that it did. I enjoyed our conversations and our battles through the walls regarding the Yankees/Red Sox!!! I am still saying "Go Red Sox", but I know you are telling me "no way".
My life and the lives of my kids will not be the same without you.
I know you are in a better place now and free of pain. You have your wings and have become an Angel.
For your family-- Keep your strength and know that memories will last you a lifetime.
We at the Winston house will all miss you Ray.
God Bless all of you.
Lisa Winston and family
Sheryl Drew
November 11, 2003
Marianne,Al & family;
So sorry to hear that your brother has died.Please accept my deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jacquie Higgins and Lisa Guerrero
November 11, 2003
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you, Marianne, and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Jacquie, Lisa, Larry and Kevin
Elizabeth Eckhart
November 11, 2003
Dear Marianne, I am so sorry. He was a fighter. I know you are hurting and I pray that the memories of your brother will ease the hurt. Love, Elizabeth
Kathy Weiss
November 11, 2003
Nancy, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are sorry for your loss and the grief that is overwhelming at this time. May you find peace in the knowledge that Ray is free from pain and lives on in the hearts of friends and family. You were a source of comfort and encouragement to Ray during his illness, and the memory of that, along with time, will help your heart to heal. Take care of yourself and let us know if we can do anything for you.
Love,
Your "LabCorp Family"
Kris Larisch
November 11, 2003
My heart felt sorrow for the loss of your brother ~ Marianne ~ goes out to you & Al, and all your family ... but know that he is in a better place now ~ free of pain ... and probably riding his bike in the clouds.
I only wish that I could take all the pain way ... but, just remember ~ you were there all the way with him, and I know he's sending Hugs & Kisses Via Heaven, to all that loved him and had the joy of knowing and having him in their lives.
Take Care ~ & God Bless ~ Love, Kris
[email protected]
John Capo
November 10, 2003
Thank you for calling me, Marianne, and letting me know. It was a surprise, I thought he was going to beat it and live for very many more years. He sounded so strong the last time I talked with him, during the world series. He will be missed very much, he was a good friend. I am glad he is now at least free from pain, and I am absolutely sure he is in a better place now. I have so many memories with him, going all the way back to the 6th grade! We still talked about our big bike ride all the way up to Gloucester and back, on one of the hottest days ever. I will miss my friend Ray very much.
Jody Jordan
November 10, 2003
Ray,
You've been AMAZING! You've fougt a long hard fight. You must be in SPORTS HEAVEN and happy right now - but they don't know what their in for. You will be deeply missed at all our family parties and there will be a BIG VOID at the McLaud's on the weekends. Ray, you were one of a kind and you will be remembered always. May you rest in peace!!
Love Jody
Carolyn Shields
November 10, 2003
I am so sorry to hear about your brother, Marianne. Just know he is in a better place and free of the pain. God be with you and your family at this time. Love, Faye and Family
The Staff of Cuffe McGinn Funeral Home
November 9, 2003
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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