Raymond R. Norftill, Sr.
Private Graveside Services were held on August 23rd at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden for Raymond R. Norftill, Sr. who died on Tuesday, May 17th at Mt. Auburn Hospital in Cambridge following a lengthy illness, he was 96 years old.
Ray was born in Chelsea to his late parents Lauren & Beulah (Stone) Norftill. He was raised & educated in Chelsea and attended Chelsea Schools. He enlisted in the United States Army during World War II on March 30, 1944 and served his country proudly until May 5, 1946. Ray returned home and later married his wife, Rita I. (Thibault). The couple together remained in Chelsea where they began their family. Ray was a devoted husband & loving father. He was hardworking, and family was most important. He worked as a Line Leader for Smithcraft & Keene, where his career spanned over 40 years. He was a late member of the Beachmont VFW & the American Legion Post in Revere. Ray was also a member of “The Greatest Generation”, a term that defines men & women who made sacrifices for family & country and not asking for anything in return. A person, who selflessly went above & beyond what was asked of them, simply because it was part of their moral fabric.
He is the beloved husband of the late Rita I. Norftill. The loving father of Raymond R. Norftill, Jr. & wife Lou Ann of Tarpon Springs, FL. & the late Rita I. Norftill. He is the cherished grandfather of Amanda L. Welch of Westford & Jonathan R. Norftill of Ho Chi Minh City. He is the dear brother of Rita Indelicato of Arizona, Grace Brand of Arizona, George DeMasse of Chelmsford, predeceased by brothers Lawrence Norftill, Roger DeMasse and sister Beulah Stella.
Remembrances may be made to Joslin Diabetes Center, 1 Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215.