Freeman R."Ray" Violette

Freeman R., "Ray" Violette, 87, of East Templeton, died suddenly Sunday, May 21, 2017 while planting in his garden, his labor of love.
Ray was born in Patten, Maine on March 1, 1930, the son of the late John D. and Ruth (Carr) Violette. He was raised in Patten, Maine and graduated from Patten Academy with the Class of 1948.
Ray was a United States Air Force Vietnam War Veteran and received the Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star, (3) Commendation Medals with 201clusters, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Ribbon. During his 20 year military career, Ray attended and graduated from Leadership School and completed a number of courses related to his work in Communications. He spent four years recruiting for the Air Force and ended his military career as Advisor to the Air National Guard, retiring in 1973 as a Master Sergeant.
Ray was a United States Postal Worker for thirteen years, retiring in 1992. He was previously employed by the former Parker Hill Nursing Home of Gardner as the Administrator.
Ray was a member of Holy Cross Church of East Templeton. He was also a member of the V.F.W. Post 905 Ovila Case of Gardner, American Legion Post 129 of Gardner and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 747 of Gardner.
He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and gardening. He also loved to cook. Ray was a huge fan of the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots and the Boston Celtics.
Ray leaves his wife of 65 years, Therese C. (Cormier) Violette of E. Templeton; one son, Dennis Violette and his wife Carol of Phillipston; two daughters, Patricia Violette Brown of Des Moines, Iowa, and Anne Violette of Columbiana, Alabama and her love Robert Hay of Westminster; one brother, Alton Violette of Patten, Maine; one sister, Annie Townsend of Island Falls, Maine; two sister-in-laws, Pauline Violette of E. Templeton and Patricia Violette of Benedicta, Maine; four grandchildren, Sara Eggers, John Eggers, Meghan Wayman and Kenneth Wayman; five great-grandchildren, Julianna Wolfinger, Jonah Wolfinger, Leland Eggers, Natalie Eggers and Bentley Wayman; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two brothers, John and Frank Violette; and by one granddaughter, Julie Eggers.
Graveside Services will be held Thursday, May 25th at 11:00 a.m. in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.
There are no calling hours.
Friends and family are asked to report directly to the cemetery the morning of services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, 268 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440.

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