Mr. Raymond "Ray" Laurin

Mr. Raymond “Ray” Laurin, 88, formerly of Pittsfield, MA, passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in West Stockholm, NY where he was residing with his daughter, Cherie. Ray was born on September 5, 1936 to the late Alfred and Aldora Hebert Laurin. He graduated from Miami Edison Senior High in 1955, and went on to receive reciprocating and jet engine training and his FAA Engine License from the Lindsey Hopkins Vocational School in Miami, FL. Ray joined the United States Air Force Reserve in 1959 where he logged 7,500 flying hours primarily on C119, C124, C130B, C130E and C5A aircraft. He proudly served his country throughout many conflicts, including Operation Desert Storm. He retired after 34 years of service, as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1993 Even after retirement, Ray was proud to serve in the local VFW, American Legion, the Amvets, and the Knights of Columbus. For the majority of his career, Ray was employed by Pratt and Whitney as an aircraft engineering mechanic. He retired in December of 1998 after 35 years of dedicated service. Among many things, Ray enjoyed fishing, reading, and spending time with his six grandchildren and six great grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as “Poppa.” Raymond married Beverly J. Wagstaff on August 1, 1964. They spent 35 years together before her passing in 1999. Ray was blessed with a second great love when he met Rita Jones, and felt fortunate to spend nearly 20 years together . Ray is survived by his children, Kenneth Laurin (Karen), Cherie Bisnett (Nate White), and Stephanie Voigt (Andy), his grandchildren Jessica (Joshua) Rose, Brittany (Travis) Frank, Daniel Laurin, Nicholas Bisnett, Nicholas and Melissa Sullivan, his great grandchildren, Masen, Cooper, Hallie, Myah, Noah and Lucie; all of whom he adored, and many nieces and nephews. Ray also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Patricia Leavenworth and his brother-in-law, James Wagstaff (Nancy). Ray was predeceased by his wife, Beverly, his parents, his siblings Aurora Shaw-Cox, Albert Laurin, Annette Duprey, Margaret Lansburg, Florence Harper, Theresa Dayton, and Maurice Laurin, and his brother-in-law, Richard Leavenworth. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Mr. Raymond "Ray" Laurin will be Tuesday, January 21, 2025, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 2:30pm at St. Joseph's Church, celebrated by the Msgr. Michael A. Shershanvoich, Pastor. Burial with military honors will be at a later date. Calling hours will be directly prior to the service, from 12 noon to 2 pm at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street Pittsfield, MA 01201. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s memory can be made to Hospice of St. Lawrence County, Potsdam, NY.

Mr. Raymond "Ray" Laurin

September 5, 1936 - January 14, 2025