Raymond Dennis Martin

Raymond D. Martin, 77, of Cranston, passed away surrounded by his family, Sunday, July 28, 2024 at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice. He was the beloved husband of Beverly (Guertin) Martin.

Born March 12, 1947, in Providence, he was a son of the late Harold and Elaine (O’Connor) Martin.

Raymond enlisted in the US Army and proudly served in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device 60, two Overseas Bars, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Expert M-14 Badge and the Expert M-16 Badge. Like so many veterans of the war, Raymond was exposed to Agent Orange which resulted in the development of Parkinson’s disease.

He attended Johnson and Wales University, was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, and was a member of the American Legion Post 20 of Cranston.

Raymond had many hobbies. He was a ham radio operator and also collected postcards from all over the world. He loved music, playing the drums,12 string guitar and keyboard. He loved animals, having had six German shepherds all named “Max”, an African grey parrot named “Merlin”, along with salt and freshwater fish. Raymond worked as an auto mechanic. He had a passion for motorcycles and refurbishing old cars. Most of all, he loved his Catholic faith. During his illness, he listened to Relevant Radio every day. He prayed “The Rosary Across America” and listened to daily mass.

In addition to his wife of 48 years, he leaves his daughter, Renee Rita Lescault; his grandchildren, Benjamin Sargent, Liam Lescault and Adelina Lescault. He was the brother of Kenneth Martin, Pamela Martin McGee, Dale Martin, Deborah Calise, the late Edward D. Martin, the late Steven T. Martin, and the late Cheryl Martin. He is also loved by many nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 8:30am from the “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Thomas Church, Providence. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Ann Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 4pm until 7pm in the “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are greatly appreciated to the Saint Thomas Food Pantry, 65 Fruit Hill Ave., Providence, 02909 or to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association.

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