CHICOPEE – Gerard R. “Ray” Plante, 86, of the Sandy Hill section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Thursday, February 8, 2024. He passed into Eternal Life at the Regal Care at Holyoke surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family and his wonderful caregivers. He was born in Holyoke on Tuesday, August 10, 1937, a beloved son of the late Samuel J. and Rachelle (Denoncourt) Plante. He was raised in the Aldenville section of Chicopee and lived in Chicopee his entire life. Ray served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and attained the rank of Airman 1st Class. He was employed as a Computer Maintenance Technician for the Hartford Business Machine Company. He previously worked for IBM, RCA and the Univac Companies. During his leisure time, Ray enjoyed his model trains. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and his many friends. He was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness on Old Lyman Road in Fairview. He leaves his beloved wife and soul mate, Elaine E. (Beaudoin) Plante. They were married on August 10, 1957 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Willimansett and were blessed with over 66 years of happiness together. He also leaves his two loving children, Mark G. Plante and his wife, Anne, of Upper Marlboro, MD and Debra B. Haapanen and her husband, Brian, of Chicopee; his three cherished grandchildren, Andrew Plante and his wife, Victoria, Rachel Foley, and Siobhan Smith and her husband, Matthew; his cherished great-granddaughter, Ezra Smith; his dear brother-in-law, Lionel Vermette; his three dear sisters-in-law, Bernice J. (Beaudoin) McNiff and her husband, Thomas, Barbara Beaudoin, and Dorothy Beaudoin; and his many dear nephews nieces, cousins, numerous friends and extended family members. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his cherished grandson, Ryan W. Plante who was Called Home on July 27, 2023; his dear brother, Donald Plante and his wife, Shirley; and his dear sister, Cecile Vermette. His Funeral will be private at the convenience of his family. There are no visiting hours. St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020 is assisting his family. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com