Raymond Mark Robichaud,

Raymond M. Robichaud, Sr. Athol – Raymond M. Robichaud, Sr., 86, died Monday, November 11, 2013 at the Legend Center in Gardner.      Ray was born July 24, 1927 in Athol, Massachusetts, the son of Augustine J. and Eliza (Hebert) Robichaud.  He grew up in Athol, graduating from Athol High School in 1946.  He served with the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II, graduated from Bryant and Stratton Business College in Boston, attending Suffolk College of Law, and graduated from New England Institute of Anatomy, Sanitary Science and Funeral Directing.      Ray was a licensed funeral director, holding a license in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts.  He worked for the F.J. Crosby Funeral Home in Boston for two years, J.F. Higgins Funeral Home in Athol for several years, was manager of the Racicot Funeral Home in Lawrence for two years, later purchasing the Munsey, Weeks and Hicks Funeral Home in Lakeport, NH.  In 1960 he opened the Robichaud Funeral Home in Laconia, NH, operating both funeral homes in Lakeport and Laconia until his retirement in 1983.   He moved to Lakeport, NH in 1958 and returned to Athol in 1984.      Ray was a member and Msgr. 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, past Faith Navigator, past Grand Knight, charter member of the Royal Order of the Moose, charter member of the Lakes Region Exchange Club, past Noble Grand of Chocoura Lodge, I.O.O.F. along with his involvement in several other organizations.  Ray was very involved in local politics while living in Laconia.  He was an avid fisherman and hunter, enjoyed collecting primitive art, once owning the largest collection in NH.  He also served as chairman for the Laconia Fire Commission for six years, was a member of the Laconia Lodge of Elks and the Lions Club for several years.  After returning to Athol Ray enjoyed his daily visits to McDonalds and in his later years riding his scooter on Main Street with his companion Jimmy at his side.  He always enjoyed talking with people and sharing words of wisdom.      His wife of 57 years, Patricia (St.Laurent) Robichaud died in 2013.  He leaves three sons, Commander Raymond M. Robichaud, Jr. of Annapolis, MD, Francis J. Robichaud of Jupiter, FL and Wesley D. Robichaud of Sandown, NH; a daughter, Lisa Anne Breton of Campton, NH; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.  He was predeceased by two brothers, Walter and Mallet and two sisters, Helen LaBombard and Marie A. Cloutman Walker.      A private graveside service will be held at Silver Lake Cemetery in Athol.  Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol is directing arrangements.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });