Raymond J. Boucher

Raymond J. Boucher, 89, of South Portland, Maine, formerly of Gardner, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at The Grande at South Portland, following several years of graceful decline due to Dementia caused by Alzheimer's Disease. He maintained his gentle personality and immense sense of humor until his passing.

Born in Gardner on June 13, 1936, he was the son of the late Dolor and Yvonne (Bourque) Boucher. Ray was a 1954 graduate of Gardner High School, and later received professional certifications through his long-time employer, Verizon. Following high school, he proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War Era as an Emergency Room Medic, serving four years each, of active and inactive duty. He was stationed in - and traveled extensively throughout - Asia during that time; and, over the years told many amusing stories about his encounters while exploring the diverse cultures throughout. Upon his discharge in 1962, Ray returned to Gardner and was employed early-on at Conant Ball Company. Shortly thereafter, he married the love of his life, Kathy, and upon the arrival of Jennifer in 1970, they became parents. He spent over thirty years as a Central Office Equipment Installer within the various iterations of the Bell System. He was a devoted employee and a beloved colleague. Always meticulous with everything he did, Ray took great pride in his work and his decades-long perfect attendance record. He eventually (and happily) took advantage of early retirement from Verizon.

Ray was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish of Gardner. He was a kind and faithful friend to many; a doting father, who never missed a swim meet; and a trustworthy caretaker for anyone in need. He enjoyed staying active, whether working out with his amazing group of childhood friends at the Mount Wachusett Community College Fitness Center, or keeping busy maintaining his cars and doing projects around his home. He always had a story to share, a joke to tell, or a trick to play. As a lifelong boxing fan, one of his favorite stories to share was while completing Basic Training at Sampson Air Force Base in NY, he frequently hitchhiked home to Gardner on the weekends. On one particular trip, he was picked up by none other than "Two Ton" Tony Galento, who gave him a ride part of the way home. He frequently traveled to Maine to vacation and spend time with family. Above all else, what brought Ray the greatest joy, was playing, joking and doing magic (including his extensive repertoire of card tricks) with his granddaughter, and watching her grow up.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Jennifer Walker, son-in-law Benjamin, and granddaughter Melina, of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; nephews, Stephen (Kathy) Boucher, Mark (Sandy) Cropper, Douglas Cropper, and niece Lynda (Curt) Doucette; along with several cousins, and even an aunt! In addition to his parents, Ray was predeceased by his first wife, Kathryn (Parkhurst), second wife, Marie (Migliozzi) Stafford; grandson, Cyrus; brother, Normand, sister-in-law, Marie, and nephew, Robert Boucher.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at The Grande, especially those in Lilac Trace Memory Care, who provided enrichment, companionship and care over the last couple of years; as well as Affinity Hospice Care of Maine, for their unwavering devotion to the comfort of - and respect for - their patients, as well as their loved ones.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Annunciation Parish, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner.

Burial with Military Honors will be held at Notre Dame Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, immediately following the church service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 16 Floor, New York NY 10001, or through their website at www.alzfdn.org. Please reference "In Memory of Raymond J. Boucher."