CPO Raymond P Barton USN (ret)

CPO Raymond Paul Barton, USN (ret) 95, of Worcester passed away peacefully, Thursday February 25th surrounded by his loved ones.   Raymond is survived by his wife of 36 years, Barbara A. (Battista) Barton; A daughter Donna Rae Saucier and her husband Edward; a son, David K. Barton and his wife Noreen; two stepchildren, Christine Camacho and her husband Christo; Stephen Morrison and his wife Sherri; five grandchildren, Nicole Saucier, Richelle Camilo and her husband Elias, Derek Barton and his fiancée Katelynn Benoit, Jared Barton and Nicole Camacho; Nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.  Two brothers, Norman and George Barton pre deceased him.   Raymond was born in Worcester, a son of Paul Gurakian and Nettie (Barton) Gurakian, He attended Worcester Public Schools, joined the Civil Conservation Corps in 1937 serving in Rochester Vermont. On September 1st 1939, Raymond joined the U.S. Navy, beginning a stellar 20 year Naval career.  He began his training in the Navy Medical Corps, completing Corps school as an x-ray specialist in 1942, where he was promoted to pharmacist mate, assuming the duties of a petty officer.   Over the next 20 years of service, Raymond served the navy is several war zones, including the South Pacific and Korean Wars, as a Navy Corpsman, aboard ships including the Battleship Wisconsin during the Korean war, Submarine Grenadier, Aircraft Carrier Leyte, Destroyer Ross, Cruiser Baltimore and landing ship Mount Vernon and as a senior instructor of x-ray technique at the Navy hospital in Chelsea Massachusetts before retiring as a Senior Master Chief Petty Officer in 1959.   He then became a member of the Fleet Reserve Association and has held membership for over 70 years. After retirement from the U.S. Navy, Raymond began his second career working at such institutions as Rutland VA-Hospital, and Wyman Gordon before accepting the position as Department Head of the X-Ray Unit at Worcester State Hospital, for the next 20 years before retiring in 1990.  Raymond was a real family man.  He loved his wife Barbara, his children and his pets.  He was an avid reader, and crossword puzzle fanatic.   Raymond was so proud and honored to serve in the Navy; a true member of Tom Brokaw’s “Greatest Generation”.    He was also very active and athletic, enjoying exercise and walks.   Raymond was a member of the Greendale YMCA and enjoyed his trips to Wegmans with the “Love of his Life” Barbara.   He was a true gentleman in all respects. Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours, Monday, February 29th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  A funeral service with Military honors will follow at 7pm.  Entombment in St John Mausoleum will be private.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in his name can be made to the Central Mass veterans “Vet’s Inc.” 69 Grove Street Worcester, O1605, www.veteransinc.org.