Raymond W Sylvester

1919 - 2016

New Gloucester - Raymond Willard Sylvester, 97, of New Gloucester, went to his eternal home on Tuesday November 1, 2016 following a short illness, surrounded by his family at home. He was born in Freeport, Me. on October 11, 1919 to Ashley and Frances Sylvester. He was raised in Auburn, graduating from Edward Little in the class of 1939. Shortly thereafter he was drafted and spent 4 1/2 years in the Army during WW II. After landing on Utah Beach in Normandy , France in June 1944 as a member of the 86th chemical Mortar Battalion, he was in combat 315 days throughout France, Belgium and Germany, making rank of Battalion SGT. Major. After the war, he married Barbara Olson and together raised four children in the home they built in Auburn. He was employed by New England Telephone for 37 years before retiring in 1982. He and Barbara spent 22 winters together in Florida. Ray was a 32nd degree Mason and member of Kora Shrine patrol as well as a proud member of Amvets Post #6. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer and gardener. He enjoyed numerous trips, especially to D-Day Celebrations in Normandy, France, during which he made many special friends all over the world. He shared many happy times in recent years with special friend and companion, Virginia Stone.

He leaves his four children: RaeJean (Leslie) Bryant, Elizabeth (Tom) Campbell, Scott (Jeanne) Sylvester and Kimberly (Shane) Estes, 8 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, his brother, Ralph Sylvester of Sebring, FL, and his beloved cat Sophie and dog Maggie.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Barbara, his sister Marion Sylvester, his sister and brother in law Laura and Joseph Arnold, and son in law Robert Campbell Sr.

If he left only one mark on the world, it would be his love, kindness and generosity to his family and friends.

The family would like to offer their sincere thanks to Dr. Jamie Zeitlin for his amazing care and kindness to Raymond and his family.

Friends and family are invited to share their memories and offer their condolences by visiting Raymond's online guestbook at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

Funeral Notice:

Sylvester, Raymond Willard, 97, of New Gloucester, died Tuesday November 1, 2016. Graveside services and military honors will be held on Saturday November 5 at 1:00 PM at The Sylvester Cemetery in Durham, Me. In lieu of flowers, donations in Raymond's honor can be made to: Amvets Post # 6 in New Gloucester and mailed to: RaeJean Bryant, 26 Estes Road, New "Gloucester, Me. 04260. A Service of The Fortin Group/Plummer Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 217 Turner St., Auburn, Me. 04210. 783-8545