Ray Michel of Lowell

1941 - 2020

No Vistitation Date Scheduled


No Funeral Date Scheduled


Ray Michel of Lowell passed away peacefully at home on December 24, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Lowell on November 13, 1941, Ray was the son of the late Joseph and Theresa Lozeau Michel. He was a devoted husband of 57 years to Trudy Vail Michel. He is survived by his children, Lisa Rege and her husband Paul of Milton, Lynn Weisse and her husband Don of Swampscott and Lori Michel Galvin of Lowell. Ray was a devoted and proud Pepere to Jack Galvin, Donnie Weisse, Elizabeth Weisse, Ethan Weisse, and Aaron Joncas. Although he claimed he was not a dog person, he gained comfort in his final years from his three dogs Rex, Bo and Girl.
The oldest of five sons, Ray is survived by his brothers and their wives, Richard A. Michel of Dracut, Sgt. Major (Ret.) USMC Donald and Elaine Michel of Hudson, NC, David and Mary Michel of Huntersville, NC, and Dennis and Ronni Michel of Salisbury, MA. Also, his in-laws Rachael Ducharme of Westford, Chuck Vail of Chillicothe, IL, John and Lu Vail and Joe Vail of Lowell, Barbara Pierce of Ormond Beach, FL and his aunt and uncle Juliette and Roger Desrochers of Lowell. Ray had many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded by in-laws, Raymond and Gertrude Savard Vail, sisters-in-law, Florida Vail Cullen, Theresa Muldoon Vail and Betty Donnelly Michel, and brothers-in-law, Raymond Vail, Jr. and Roger Ducharme.
Ray was a graduate of Ste Jeanne d’Arc School and Lowell High School, class of 1959. He was signed by the LA Dodgers upon graduation, playing for three years until he, “didn’t know where my fast ball was going.” He joined Digital Equipment Corporation as a stock boy following his release from baseball. He rose through the ranks becoming European Distribution Manager in Geneva, Switzerland and retired after 40 years as Corporate Manger of Logistics for Hewlett Packard.
In his spare time, Ray coached the Lowell/Tyngsboro American Legion Baseball Teams for nine years with the help of Butch Hamilton and Joe Barros. He was proud of how his former players grew to be good men and good citizens. Ray also loved to golf. As a member of Mt. Pleasant, he became one of the Tuesday regulars. Whenever he would come home after a round and was asked how he did, his response was always, “I stunk up the place.”
Ray could be found volunteering behind the scenes for various Lowell High School organizations, such as the LHS Hall of Fame and the Lowell High School Distinguished Alumni; he was also the first chairman of the FLHS Baseball Committee. In addition to volunteering, Ray was a generous supporter of many charitable organizations including the Salvation Army, Shriners Hospitals, St. Jude Hospital and the Owl Diner Charities.
Ray’s legacy to you is this: enjoy life, have fun, keep your sense of humor, take things in stride, and let those you love feel it.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Andrew Romanowsky and his staff for their loving care. Also, Esther, Melissa and the entire team of Care Dimensions Hospice of Peabody, for caring for Ray with kindness. Helping Ray in the last few years of his journey were Rachael, Chuck, Richard, John, Elaine, Don, Holly, Bob, Esther, Ken, Kathy, Erica, cousin Jeannine and special friend Mary Bobbie Galvin. Thank you to all who offered support and kept us in your prayers.
Ray, always positive, would say, “Je m’arrangerai bien avec le bon Dieu” (I’ll get along all right with God).
Due to the pandemic, private services were held and a celebration of life is planned for spring.
Arrangements by Dolan Funeral Home 978-256-4040. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com.

21 Condolences for Ray Michel of Lowell

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    Joe Shanahan

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    Trudy, Sue and I send our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We always enjoyed the laughs we shared with you and Ray over a cocktail or two at Feng Shui. Great memories!

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    Ray and Ann Hodge

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    Trudy, So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ray and Ann Hodge.

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    Eileen McIsaac

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    So sorry to hear of Mr Michel passing, our deepest sympathy to you all. Eileen and Tim (Weisse) McIsaac

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    M. Roberta Galvin

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    Trude, my deepest sympathy to you.Lisa, Lynn and Lori. Ray was a very special guy and he meant the world to me. I will miss him very much. Many a laugh we shared. I know he is in a much better place. Prayers and hugs to all of you including his grandchildren who he was so proud of.

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    John, Mary, and Katie McGowan

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    Trudy, our entire family was deeply saddened upon learning of Ray’s passing. What a wonderful neighbor! For forty years, we have enjoyed Ray’s kindness and sharp, affectionate humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your daughters, and all of your family. Our son and daughter-in-law also extend their condolences.

    With love and sympathy,
    John, Mary, and Katie McGowan

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    Lisa Walker

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    Trudy,
    Norma and I are saddened by the passing of your beloved Ray.
    May the memories you hold close comfort you.

    Lisa Walker
    Norma Fortin

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    Jeanne Ostiguy LeBlanc

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    Trudy, John and I are so very sorry for your loss. Ray was special to all who were lucky enough to know him. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Prayers for peace and comfort for you and all who loved Ray. Jeanne and John LeBlanc

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    Philip Shea

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    Trudy

    Words at this time could never properly express how much I will miss my “1959 classmate”.

    He was the best!!!!.

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    The Cullens

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    We are deeply saddened about Uncle Ray’s passing. He was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. Our prayers are with you.

    Jack, Sonya, and Jocelyn

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    James L. Moynihan

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    Dear Trudy, I am so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing Our condolences to you and the entire Michel Family He was a wonderful Man. May he Rest in Peace
    Sincerely Jim and Sally Moynihan

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    Roger R. Boucher

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    Dear Trudy, Richard ,Donald, David & Dennis,
    We are so sorry for your loss. Ray was a great guy. You have our deepest Sympathy.
    Roger & Irene Boucher (Boucher’s Market)

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    Phil obrien

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    Trudy, sorry. One of the really good guys. Saddens me. Getting this off my chest. When Ray struck me out as kid in park game, it truly was Not a bad call . Condolences to you and your family.

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    Michael Primeau

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    So sorry to hear Mr. Michel’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.??

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      Bud and Diana Caulfield

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      Trudy we are very sorry for the passing of Ray. May the good Lord hold Raymond in the palm of his hand. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bud and Diana Caulfield

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    Bob Carrigg

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    Sorry to hear of Rays passing but believe in your heart he is in a better place and is whole again I’m thinking he has found his fastball and can’t wait for the season to begin.

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    Dave Rodgers

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    I worked with Ray at DEC. A very special person, that EVERYONE liked and respected. While recouping from removal of a pynatalcyst I called Trudy saying that I was his Doctor and wanted to check on his recovery. I asked Trudy to remove the bandage on his butt to see if it was draining ok. Trudy came back on the phone and reported. I thanked her and never old Ray until he was back at worked. Ray laughed like hell and said he would get even with me, which he did in spades. A GREAT GUY. MY CONDOLENCES ON THE LOSS OF ” ONE IN A MILLION”. TRUDY, MY BEST TO “BUTCH “

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    Michael Michel

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    Aunt Trudy, Lisa, Lynn, and Lori,

    Kim and I were very sad to hear that Uncle Ray had passed. I know the last few years were a challenge for you Aunt Trudy, and also a challenge for Lisa, Lynn, and Lori as well. I watched my own family go through a similar challenge with my mom’s passing, so I do have an idea of the stress and sadness you are experiencing. Please know we admire your strength, compassion, and dedication. Uncle Ray was very lucky to have you by his side.

    For me, my only memories of Uncle Ray are of happy times. I always enjoyed being around Uncle Ray and my Dad, especially at memere’s house. The constant banter and jokes between the two of them every time they were together is what I will remember most, and it will always make me smile. I will also remember Uncle Ray’s patience, humor, and encouragement with me on the golf course (I’m not very good).

    Kim and I will certainly keep in touch. Please never hesitate to reach out to us if you need anything.

    With love.
    Michael

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    Mac Donaldson

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    Dick, I’m very sorry to hear about Ray. He was one of a kind and a DEC legend! All my best to you.

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    Mike Stuer

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    Trudy, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, your daughters, and your entire family. Ray was a true gentleman who carried himself with grace, humor, and compassion.

    The Stuer Family

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    Frank Ignachuck

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    I just learned of Ray’s passing on the decconnect website. I am very sorry for your loss. I knew Ray for my entire career at Digital, starting in Building 5 in the Mill in Maynard in the 60’s He was a great friend of another DECcie, my cousin Paul McGovern and the last time I talked to Ray was at Paul’s funeral. My condolences to his family.

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    Lori

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    I just heard about Ray and am very sorry to hear of his passing. He hired me back in ’73 for a position at the Mill. I was 21 and interviewed for my first ‘real’ job at DEC. He was an extremely very nice man who changed the course of my life by hiring me, which turned out to be a 17 year stay at DEC.
    My heartfelt condolences to the family.
    Lori (Coulson) Lewis

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