Raymond L'Heureux

Raymond L'Heureux passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the home he built in New Bedford, MA surrounded by his family. Ray was born on July 2, 1946, in New Bedford, MA. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1967-1970 as an Army Aircraft Mechanic. For his service, Ray was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, Expert Rifle, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with two overseas bars.

After his service, Ray made his life-long home in New Beford, working for various places before finding his calling in boatbuilding where he worked for several shipyards for decades including Hunt Boats, Brownell Boats, Burr Brothers, and Alden Yachts. Ray dedicated much of his time to raising his children and could often be found helping out at school events and volunteering at zoos or museums in the community.

He had many passions in life including history, hiking, and helping other veterans. Upon his retirement, Ray became very active within the veteran community serving as a member of the Mayor's Veterans' Advisory Committee in New Beford as well as the Color Guard Captain for the Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 499), Sr. Vice Commander of the Freetown VFW (Memorial Post 6643), and Ride Captain for the Patriot Guard Riders who escort fallen veterans killed in action to their final resting place. Ray also volunteered at the New Bedford Military Museum at Fort Taber where he shared his unique knowledge of the Vietnam War, the fort, and general military history for many years.

Ray was predeceased by his parents, Rene and Irene (née Payette), as well as his younger sister Sue Santos. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Marie (née Deschamps); his three children Teressa L'Heureux and her wife Jill, Aaron L'Heureux and his wife Megan, and Nicky Peets and her partner Andy; his brother Norman L'Heureux and his wife Debbie; his three loving grandchildren Hunter Peets, Logan L'Heureux, and Charlotte L'Heureux; as well as many dear friends.

There will be a visitation on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home, 495 Park Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. Family and friends are invited to a military ceremony funeral at 12 PM on Friday, December 12, 2025 at the funeral home with a procession to The National Cemetery in Bourne, MA. His family is asking that donations be made in his memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's research.