Raymond Thomas O'Donnell

(August 9th, 1957 – December 18th, 2019)

After a seven-year disagreement with neuroendocrine cancer, a rare and difficult diagnosis, Ray passed away on December 18th at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House surrounded by his family. Throughout his battle, Ray was lucky to have led a normal life while going through various, but dwindling treatment options. He was eternally grateful to be able to spend this additional time on earth with his dearest Lisa and their three daughters.

Ray was born in Brooklyn, NY to a large and loving family. As the third of six children, he recalled many stories about his escapades and games of pick-up basketball and stickball with his siblings on the streets of Brooklyn. He also enjoyed many childhood summers at the family’s lake cottage in New Jersey. Ray’s family eventually moved to Yorktown, NY where Ray attended high school. He then graduated from SUNY Buffalo with a degree in Accounting.

Ray had an extensive career in the Accounting and Finance field. This included a stint with now Ernst & Young accounting firm, twenty years at TD Bank rising to the position of Financial Controller, and eventually at Portland Public Schools. Despite incredible successes, including a life-changing move to the state of Maine, the defining moment of Ray’s career was that it led him to meet his sweetheart, wife, and life partner, Lisa.

Lisa and Ray married in 1990 and raised three wonderful daughters. The family enjoyed exploring their Celtic roots with trips abroad, traversing the North East in their beloved Honda Pilot, and relaxing in the simple comforts of Maine, especially hiking, kayaking and relaxing on the beach. Though Ray was proud of his girls, most of the credit, in his own words, is due to Lisa. A terrific mom and guiding influence, Lisa supported the family in everything they did. Ray and Lisa were a great team, with Lisa as the Captain.

Ray was a man of many talents and hobbies. Aside from his mastery of the NYT Sunday Crossword puzzle, Ray spent over ten years learning and perfecting how to play the bagpipes. He was a member of the Claddagh Mhor Pipe Band in Portland, where he played at many parades and public functions including the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in Galway, Ireland. Out and about, Ray loved attending and supporting Good Theater at the Saint Lawrence Arts Center. At home, Ray was a natural handyman. Whether growing tomatoes or putting down hard-wood floors, Ray abided by the words etched above the entrance to his tool shed, “May you always have work for your hands to do…,” the first line of a classic Irish toast. Locally, Ray was a long time communicant at Holy Martyrs Church in Falmouth.

Ray enjoyed sports of all types, and followed both the Boston and New York area teams. After participating in lacrosse, basketball, and football in high school, Ray discovered that what he lacked in size and speed he always made up for with tenacity and ball handling. It didn’t always work, but it was fun to be in the game. Eventually, Ray became a regular jogger, running in many 10-K’s and even completing one marathon (a hilly course in Yonkers, NY).

Ray would like to thank the medical professionals, specifically Dr. Evans and his team, at the New England Cancer Center who provided excellent care and guidance throughout his journey. In addition, his family would like to extend a sincere thank you to all those who cared for him as a part of Hospice of Southern Maine, particularly at Gosnell Memorial Hospice.

Ray was predeceased by his mother Marion (2006), brothers Brian (2009) and John (2011), and his brother-in-law Bill Taylor (2016). Ray is survived by his loving wife Lisa, his three daughters, Lauren, Kaitlyn, and Kerry of Falmouth, ME, his father Raymond Patrick O’Donnell of Danbury, CT, his sister Kathleen Belli and her husband Noel of Wykoff, NJ, his sister Margaret Taylor of Danbury, CT, his brother Michael O’Donnell and his wife Mary of Yorktown Heights, NY, a dear Uncle John O’Donnell and his wife Barbara of Mooresville, NC, as well as many nephews, nieces, one grand niece and cousins.

Help Ray’s family celebrate his wonderful life with services on Friday, December 27th at Lindquist Funeral Home in Yarmouth, Maine from 4pm-7pm and a Mass of Christian Burial on December 28th at 10am at Holy Martyrs Church in Falmouth, Maine with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, Ray had asked for donations to be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (an organization he deeply cared for), Hospice of Southern Maine (which provided him with peace and comfort at the end of his days), or the charitable organization of your choice.

The O’Donnell family hope that their beloved husband, father, son, and friend is finally enjoying a piping hot cup of tea (or maybe a pint of Guinness) surrounded by those who have gone before him.