The Honorable Raymond P. Veary Jr.

The Honorable Raymond P. Veary, Jr. passed away on Saturday November 1, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer with his devoted wife and loved ones by his side.

Born on August 6, 1947, he was the son of the late Raymond P. Veary, Sr. and Sophie J. (Brcziska) Veary.

Ray was raised in Acushnet, MA where he attended school and participated in sports. Little League baseball was his all-time favorite. Throughout his lifetime, he could recall every single team, each player's name, and what position that individual played.

He graduated from New Bedford High School, Class of 1965, where he was a member of the ROTC. He thrived in that organization and pursued his interest by attending Norwich University. Ray excelled and graduated in 1969 as the highest ranking officer: Cadet Colonel. He then went on to Boston College Law School. Upon completion, he served in the United States Army at Fort Gordon in Georgia. He was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1973. His first job as a lawyer was working with an inmate legal assistance program at the Adult Correctional Institution in Cranston, RI. He later opened a private law practice until he served for 24 years as a prosecutor with the Bristol County District Attorney Office. His level of commitment was recognized by the Massachusetts Bar Association honoring him with the Annual Prosecutor's Award. On December 1, 2010, Ray was nominated by the former Governor Deval Patrick, to the position of Associate Justice for the Massachusetts Superior Court. He served on the Court until he reached his mandatory retirement at age 70.

"Renaissance Man" was a term often used to describe Ray. He was truly gifted and shared his many talents. His strong and powerful voice served him well for his acting roles with "Your Theatre", his narrations for exhibits at the Whaling Museum, and for 15 years commencing the Moby Dick Marathon using his thunderous voice with the classic line "Call me Ishmael".

For numerous years Ray served as a lector at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church where parishioners often complimented him for his delivery of the readings. He was an avid playwright and had several of his plays produced over the years. Nothing pleased him more than finding a location that housed a Jukebox where he would select a variety of tunes to please everyone in the crowd. What he called "Doodling" would be considered by most to be amazing artwork. There isn't a restaurant or sports bar in the area that doesn't have a collection of his "Cocktail Napkin Masterpieces".

Above all, Ray was a man of faith. He was a kind, gentle, unassuming, wonderful man with a great sense of humor and wit. He was always respectful and found the good in everyone. He was admired by his family, circle of friends, prestigious court officials and fellow attorneys and judges. He will be sorely missed by each of the lives he touched.

Ray is survived by his wife and soulmate of 40 years, Claudette (Bourque) Veary, his brother Kenneth Veary (Deb), sister Patricia Olivier (Joseph), sister Christine Veary and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, whom he treasured and loved dearly.

A special note of thanks to the Southcoast Nurses Association and the Community Nurses who were extremely kind and caring.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday November 10th at 10 AM at St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, 343 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Fairhaven. Visiting hours will be on Sunday November 9th from 2-5 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Veterans Transition House, 1297 Purchase St., New Bedford, AM 02740 or Community Nurse, 62 Center St., Fairhaven, MA 02719. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.