GILFORD - Raymond E. Wilton, of Gilford, NH and Ft. Myers, FL, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2018.
“Ray” was born September 8, 1931. He was the son of Mary (Rogers) and Frederick Wilton. Ray believed in enjoying many of the aspects life offers: travel, golf, music and dancing. He was an active member of organizations such as the Irish Club, VFW and the Moose Lodge. Ray taught his family the importance of giving back as he volunteered over the years in areas from the Boy Scouts to playing harmonica for the Salvation Army.
While raising his family, Ray was a civilian Aerospace Engineer for the Air Force and proudly served in both the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves, retiring with the rank of Colonel.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Virginia E. (Fish) Wilton. He is survived by his family: Elizabeth & Steve Zimmer and their family; Linda & Glenn Dracopoulos and their children Sarah & Yona Rose and Peter Dracopoulos; Robert & Rhonda Wilton and their children Robert Thomson and Christopher & Emily Thomson. Ray is survived by his great-grandchildren Hannah Rose, Isabella Ramey and McKenna Grace Thomson, as well as other family members.
Ray also is survived by his companion of 13 years, Janet Viscione, as well as her children and grandchildren.
A Calling Hour will be held from 9AM to 10 AM on Friday, May 4, 2018 at St. Andre Bessette Parish - St. Joseph Church, 30 Church Street, Laconia, NH.
A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 10AM on Friday, May 4, 2018, also at the church.
Internment will follow in the family lot at Bayside Cemetery in Laconia. .
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s memory are requested for the following organizations: Hope Parkinson Program, Ft. Myers, FL at www.hopeparkinson.org or the Catholic Charities of New Hampshire at www.cc-nh.org.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.