He was born in Biddeford on May 8, 1939, the son of Wilfred and Alice Bourgault Berthiaume. He was educated in Biddeford schools, graduating from Biddeford High School with the Class of 1957, and attended the University of Southern Maine in Gorham.
Mr. Berthiaume served a tour of duty with the U.S. Army. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Biddeford and worked for several years with Maremont Corp. in Saco. He then worked for over 30 years in southern New Hampshire with primarily Palmer- Chenard Industries but with associated companies as well, retiring in 2002.
On Sept. 5, 1981, he married Judith Therriault in South Portland.
Ray was an active member of the Biddeford-Saco Country Club and the Waterhouse Field Lighting Association, and a member and past president of the Biddeford Athletic Association. He coached softball in the local area. He enjoyed golfing, bartending, local and professional sports, and wintering in Florida.
Ray loved his family and friends to a fault. If you knew him for five minutes or 50 years, you knew this to be true. He lived so well and so hard without regret. His positivity was infectious, and his remarkable heart simply like no other. He will be sorely missed by all.
He is survived by: Judy Berthiaume, his beloved wife of 34 years, of Biddeford; two sons, Lance Berthiaume and his wife Patricia Sullivan of Ave Maria, Florida, and Christopher Black and his wife Patricia Burton of Easton, Pennsylvania; three daughters, Lorrie Berthiaume and partner Amy Zawadski of St. Petersburg, Florida, Jennifer Tardif and her husband Jeffrey of Buxton, and Gretchen DiStefano and her husband Neil of North Little Rock, Arkansas; one brother, Donald R. Berthiaume and his wife Jeanne of Kennebunkport; one sister, Doris Baker of Biddeford; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, June 30, at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford. A funeral service will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, July 1, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 403 Main St., Saco.
Donations in Ray’s memory may be made to: Maine Cancer Foundation, 170 U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, ME 04105, or: ALS Association, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150, Calabasas Hill, CA 91301-5104.
Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel. To share condolences online, please visit HopeMemorial.com.
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