Raymond J. McAlea of Andover went home to God on February 12, 2017 at The Meadows at Edgewood, North Andover.  Ray was born in Detroit, Michigan the son of Mary (Ripley)  McAlea and Joseph A. McAlea.  At a young age the family returned to Methuen, MA. Ray made his first communion at St. Monica Church in Methuen and remained a life-long member of that church.  He graduated from Edward F. Searles High School and Fitchburg State College. Ray served honorably in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War era and enjoyed playing the bugle once in a while at Veteran’ s ceremonies.  He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Geraldine Lees.  They recently celebrated 63 years of marriage.  Ray worked for many years in the automotive industry and owned R & G Power Equipment in Lawrence, MA.  He also taught small engine mechanics at the Greater Lowell Regional School for 25 years.  In retirement, Ray and Gerry enjoyed wintering in Longboat Key, Florida, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.  He was a World War II history buff and also enjoyed studying the history of Methuen and collecting memorabilia. He enjoyed wood carving, golfing, fishing, bowling and watching all the New England sports teams play.  We adored his sense of humor, his caring heart and his honorableness qualities that he demonstrated throughout his life. He had an amazing ability of fixing anything and graciously helped friends and family whenever he could.  Ray and Gerry enjoyed their summers at their beach house in Pine Point, Maine creating wonderful memories with family and friends.

Ray was predeceased by his brother, Gerald McAlea and his sister, Emily (McAlea) Grande.  Ray will forever be remembered by his dear wife, Geraldine (Lees), his devoted sister-in-law, Joyce Domingue, and her husband, Robert; nieces,Tammie Lee Groleau of Salem, NH, Heidi Jackson of Chelmsford, MA, Heather Alfaro of Salem, NH, Mary Ann McAlea of Folsom, California, and nephews, Dean Domingue of Bedford, NH and Kevin McAlea of London, England. ​

The family wishes to thank The Meadows at Edgewood in North Andover for the excellent care Ray received during his stay there.

Family and friends are invited to visiting hours on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at St. Monica Church, 212 Lawrence St., Methuen, MA from 10:00 am to Noon.  A Mass of Christian burial will take place immediately following the calling hours promptly at Noon at the church. Burial will follow in West Parish Garden Cemetery, Andover.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s memory may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014​ or to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Arrangements are by The Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen.  To send an online condolence, please go to www.dewhirstfuneral.com.

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