Raymond J. Poitras

LOWELL - Raymond J. Poitras, 83, a lifelong member of Lowell died Friday, July 22, 2016 at a local nursing home. He was the husband of the late Margaret F. "Peggy" (Golden) Poitras, who died in 2003.

He was born in Lowell on August 8, 1932, and was a son of the late Leo J. Poitras and Gladys M. (Biggar) (Poitras) Clark. He received his education in the Lowell Public Schools.

Ray served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict; completed training in Fort Knox, Kentucky and was stationed in Germany.

Prior to his retirement in 1976, he was employed for over 20 years by the City of Lowell Water Department as a heavy equipment operator. Earlier in his career he was employed by A.G. Pollards and H&H Paper Company.

Ray was a very kind and generous man, volunteering countless hours at D'Youville Senior Care and Community Family where he would tirelessly advocate for everyone he encountered. He was also an active member of the Lowell Senior Center.

Ray was a communicant of St. Michael Church in Lowell and was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Society and Holy Name Society. He was a lifetime member of the East End Club, a former chaplain, and a Man of The Year Honoree. Ray enjoyed his memberships at Lowell V.F.W. Walker Rogers Post 662, the Disabled American Veterans Organization, and the Lowell American Legion Post 87.

He received the prestigious "Key to the City" in 1992 by former Lowell Mayor Tarsey Poulios and in 2009 was the recipient of Community Teamwork Incorporated's Local Heroes Marjorie McDermott Award for Distinguished Service to the Greater Lowell Community.

Ray's greatest joy came from spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed dancing, gardening, playing cribbage and 45's, billiards, and bowling.

He is survived by six children, Brian Poitras and his wife Teresa of Dunstable, Mary-Jo Antosca and her husband Michael of Portsmouth, NH, Robert Poitras of Tewksbury, Thomas Poitras of Englewood, FL, Susan Garland and her fiancé Donald Robitaille of Tyngsboro and Christina Cronin and her husband Daniel of Andover; nine grandchildren, William, Brad and Kayla Adie, Jennifer Acosta, Briana McGrade, Tyler and Nicholas Poitras, Daniel Cronin, Jr. and Cailin Cronin; five great grandchildren, Lillian, Nilda, Gilbert, Jr., Raymond and Troy; two sister-in-law's, Eileen Golden of Lowell and Maureen Golden of Pelham, NH; and many nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late Raymond J. Poitras, Jr. who passed in 2015. Brother of the late Wilfred J. Poitras and Grace R. Boland.