Raymond E. Gauvin, a lifelong Pawtucket resident passed away on May 6th, 2024, He was surrounded by his loving family as he peacefully transitioned into eternal life. Ray was the devoted husband of his wife of 60 years, the late Ruth (Delaney) Gauvin. He was born July 14th, 1935, the youngest child of the late Albert and Jeanette (Bibeault) Gauvin. Ray was preceded in death by his brothers Richard and Henry Gauvin and his sister Evelyn (Gauvin) Seal. He is survived by his four sons - Robert Gauvin and Jim Singer of Grapevine, Texas, Ronald and Lenora Gauvin of Cranston, Russell and Myrna Gauvin of Kailua, HI, and Richard and Sandra Gauvin of Narragansett.

He is loved and fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews. Ray is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Jennifer, Jay, Ryan, Jeffrey, Mark, Adam, Zachary, Nicholas, and Victoria, and two great-grandchildren, Charlotte Rae, and Zane.

Ray graduated from Pawtucket East High School. He then studied drafting at Rhode Island School of Design. He was a master pipe fitter and was employed by Harris Refrigeration for 30 years, spending much of that time at the former Colfax Packing. He had an uncanny ability to think outside the box and handle any situation that would arise. He was recognized by his peers as an expert in his field.

Raymond served 33 years in the United States Naval Reserve and attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4). He was a senior damage control inspector and instructor at the Pawtucket and Providence Reserve Center. In 1985, he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for professional achievement and superior performance of his duties by the Secretary of the Navy.

Active in both civic and military spheres, Raymond was a founding member and first president of the Southern New England chapter of the naval reserve association, organizing numerous events, awards, and scholarships. He volunteered as a driver for Insight and was an ardent supporter of the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen at St. Joseph's Church. He was a member of the Pawtucket Lodge of Elks and participated in their golf league.

Raymonds amiable nature endeared him to all who crossed his path. He had a knack for entertaining with humorous anecdotes and effortlessly forged friendships. He found joy in golfing, family gatherings, culinary pursuits, attending his grandchildren's school and sporting events, and dining out with loved ones.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Ray on Friday, May 17 at 10:00 AM at the Holy Family Parish Church (St. Joseph's), 195 Walcott St, Pawtucket. Calling hours will be observed on Thursday, May 16, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Manning-Heffern O'Neill Funeral Home, 220 Cottage St, Pawtucket. His interment will take place with full military honors at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter.

In lieu of flowers, donations the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen, 195 Walcott Street, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, in memory of Raymond, would be greatly appreciated.