Raymond H. Densmore, 83, of Key Colony Beach, FL, and Lord’s Point, Stonington, passed away Wednesday morning.
Ray was born in Sabula, IA on December 19, 1924, the son of Ray and Viola (Lashelle) Densmore. His children and grandchildren treasure his many stories, such as how he walked to school uphill both ways, saw 6-foot jackrabbits and walked under the frozen Mississippi River.
During World War II, while stationed in Charlestown, RI, Ray met his beloved wife, Donna A. Brown, whom he married in Westerly on September 14, 1946. Mrs. Densmore died Mother’s Day, May 9, 1993. Together they traveled the world extensively and passed that love of adventure to their children.
In 1949 Ray and his late wife, Donna, founded Standard Sheet Metal Company in Mystic. In 1961 he formed Densmore Oil Company, which continues today under the direction of his son, Mark.
Ray was a member of the Road Meeting House Church and Kirk of the Keys. Feeling blessed and fortunate throughout his life, Ray found his greatest pleasure in giving back to others. He was a 32nd Degree Mason belonging to Charity & Relief Lodge in Mystic, and the Shriner's Sphinx Temple in Hartford and Mahi Temple in Miami. A member of the Mystic Lions Club since 1950, Ray is a Past President and was awarded the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Award. In addition, Ray served as President of the Mystic Chamber of Commerce, was Co-Founder of the Mystic Outdoor Arts Festival and served on the Board of Directors of the Westerly YMCA. Ray was a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, Toast Masters, the Moose and the Elks. His hobbies included fishing, skiing, traveling and collecting antique cars. Ray proudly took up golf at age 65, and the day he made a hole-in-one was a highlight in his life.
Ray is survived by his wife of 3 years, Elaine Stamnes, and brother, Harold, of Clinton, IA. He is also survived by his sons, Charles Densmore and wife Amie of Pomfret Center, CT, Mark Densmore and wife Cheryl Christopher of Mystic, his daughters, Carol Marascio and husband Jim of Sidney, ME, Heather Densmore and husband Matt Sanders of Durham, CT, and Elizabeth Mockler and husband Brian of Matthews, NC, 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
His family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic on Monday from 5-8pm. A Memorial Service will be conducted at the Road Meeting House, First Congregational Church, Pequot Trail, Stonington on Tuesday at 11am. Private burial will precede at River Bend Cemetery, Westerly.
The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff of Avalon Health Care Center, as well as the 6th floor team at L & M Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Densmore Scholarship Fund, Attn: Pam Howitt, The Rhode Island Foundation, One Union Station, Providence, RI 02903. The fund has benefited, thus far, eleven graduating seniors at Stonington High School.
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