Raymond Eugene Martel, age 83, of Iron Street, Ledyard, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London.
He was born in Lakeport, NH on April 23, 1925 the son of Frank and Adele (Fortier) Martel. He was a graduate of Sacred Heart School and Laconia High School.
After receiving his education, he entered the U.S. Navy on April 23, 1943 where he proudly served for 20 years.
During his long distinguished Naval career, his many assignments included the USS Chicopee, the naval Station in Algeria,the Naval Base in Palermo, Sicily, the USS Hamblen, the USS Waccamaw, the USS Antietam, USS Currituck, the USS Randolph, the USS Naval station in Trinidad, the USS Forrestal, and finished his career in the Fleet Reserve from 1964 - 1974.
Ray was awarded numerous medals and honors; including the World War II Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific medal, American Area Medal, the 3-Star Good Conduct Medal; and in December 1945, became a member of The Golden Dragon and Ruler of the 180th Meridian. He was also a Plank owner of the USS Hamben.
He was later employed at Colt’s Firearms Company, Electric Boat in Groton, and later civil service at Groton Navy Submarine Base before retiring in 1980.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Claire Truchon Martel whom he married in Lakeport in 1957; a son, Stephen Martel and wife Tammy of Griswold; and his 3 grandchildren, Brooke, Dylan, and Tori Martel; nieces and nephews. he was predeceased by his siblings, Rosaire, Lily, and Eva.
Ray's family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Sunday from 2-4pm. His funeral will gather at the funeral home on Monday at 9:30am and proceed to a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1650 Route 12, Gales Ferry at 10:30am. The family will gather for a private burial with presentation of Military Honors in the family plot at St. Lambert Cemetery in Laconia, NH, when the cemetery re-opens in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Ledyard Public Health Nursing Service, 741 Col. Ledyard Hwy, Ledyard CT 06339.
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