Raymond L. Mayo Sr.

Raymond L. Mayo Sr. CLAREMONT — Raymond L Mayo, Sr of Claremont, NH passed away 9/26/22, after a long battle with ALZ/DEM. He was born in Winthrop, ME on Nov 24, 1937, the son of Armand Mayo and Rita (Gendron) Mayo. Ray graduated from Winthrop HS, class of 1957. He was well known for his athletic abilities thru-out his HS years and was recognized/awarded the ‘People’s Choice Award’ his Sr year. He served in the US National Guards during HS and after graduation, joined the US Navy. He met Laurette C. Marchand, and they were married on Dec 26, 1959, at St Mary Catholic Church in Claremont, NH. He attended the University of Maine, Orono, and graduated from George Washington University with an associate degree in Medical Sciences. He served 6 years with the US Marine Corp at Camp Lejeune, NC, and CINCLANT Fleet Headquarters in Norfolk, VA. He was assigned to several Naval Hospitals thru-out his career and awarded many accolades, awards, ribbons, and medals. Ray was awarded the Chief Petty Officer of the year award at Portsmouth Naval hospital, both in NH and VA. Also, Senior Chief Petty Officer of the year at the Naval Regional Hospital in Newport, RI. He served aboard the USS Repose hospital ship for 3 months before being assigned as the Independent Medical Officer aboard the USS MARK in the brown waters of Viet Nam. He served 2 years in Viet Nam and was one of two Maine Veterans who were recognized by the Secretary of the Navy with a Meritorious and Achievement medal in the line of enemy fire. He was also the Independent Medical Officer aboard the USS Luce out of Mayport, FL. Ray served his country proudly in his 22-year Naval career and retired in 1979 achieving the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. Upon his retirement, he worked for Metropolitan Life where he was the President of Life Writers Assoc; a RE advertising agent for the Tampa Tribune, where he was named top salesman two years in a row; and he created and published the Connecticut River Valley RE magazine here in NH. He was a member and Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th degrees; Recipient of the Grand Knight of the Year award, member of the St Mary Cavaliers Color Guard, and always was active in volunteer work. He was a very devoted husband and father and loved his family. Ray was predeceased by his parents, and brother, Joseph Robert Mayo. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Laurette and four children, Raymond Jr, and his wife Karen of Sandia, Texas, Jeffrey, and his partner Marisa Florence of Springhill, Florida, Debra Barton, and her husband David of Claremont, and Lisa Croteau, and her husband, Alan of Claremont; Four sisters: Anita Pettingill, Joanne Hisler, Jean Robinson, Patricia Smith and one brother James Derocher all of Maine; Eight Grand-Children: Danielle Skinner, Ray Mayo III, Adam Barton, Jarrett Mayo, Katelyn Mayo, Mykayla Brewer, Daniel Croteau, and Cezira King; 12 Great Grand-children and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his valued friend, Terry who the family is so thankful for her compassionate care and companionship during Ray’s illness. There will be no viewing hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St Mary Church in Claremont on October 13th at 11AM. Burial with military honors will follow in St Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Ray’s memory go to the K of C 4th Degree. Arrangements are with Stringer Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.