Roland A. Buddy"" Raymond

Roland A. ""Buddy"" Raymond, 88, of East Hartford, beloved husband of Rita, and devoted father to his sons, journeyed home to Our Lord on Monday, (January 17, 2011). Buddy was born in Woonsocket, RI on December 12, 1923 to the late Jules and Laura (Heroux) Raymond, the third of five children. Buddy was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, where he served as a Tail Gunner in B-24's with the 376th Bomber Group. He was shot down over Austria in 1944 and sent to Stalag 17-B in Germany where he remained a Prisoner of War for 423 days until the end of World War II. After coming home, he met and married Rita M. Lacasse in 1946 and they had two sons, Paul and John. In 1953, the family moved to Hartford where Buddy secured employment with Hamilton Standard. After a strike in 1961, he decided to try his hand in selling cars, where he found a natural ability as a salesman. He sold cars at a number of area dealerships until he settled at Monaco Ford of Glastonbury where he was employed for over 35 years, most recently in a part-time capacity. Buddy was a member of the American Legion Post #200 of Rocky Hill, the VFW Post #2083 of East Hartford, and a proud life-member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War. Buddy was always busy and stayed active literally until the day of his death. He will be remembered for always having a cheerful word and smile for everyone. Besides his parents, Buddy was predeceased by his first born son, Paul J. Raymond of Bristol, two brothers, Robert and Daniel Raymond, and a sister, Pearl. Along with his loving and devoted wife, Rita, of 64 years, Buddy is survived by a son, John G. Raymond and his wife, Emily, of Manchester; his youngest brother, Jules Raymond and his wife, Muriel, of Chester, NJ; several nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Funeral services will be Monday (January 24th) at 9:30 a.m. from the D'Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, Cambridge Drive, East Hartford. Military honors will follow the Mass at the church. Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Sunday (January 23rd) from 2-5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Ex-Prisoners of War, P.O. Box 841, Hollis, NH 03049-0841. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.