Ralph A Raymond, Sr

Ralph A Raymond, 94yo, passed away peacefully April 23rd, 2019, in his favorite place of all; home. He was surrounded by loving family as well as his soulmate, Mary Irene, to whom he shared 70 wonderful married years. Ralph felt fortunate and grateful being able to travel the globe while coaching the sport he loved; softball. Coaching Team USA Softball to Gold in the 1996 & 2000 Olympics, was one of his greatest life moments but he would proudly tell anyone that his “Family” provided more happiness than any other of his lifetime achievements.

Ralph was the son of Antonio and Lydia (Rondeau) Raymond. He was pre-deceased by his two step brothers Samuel and Francis Franco. Ralph grew up on the east side of Worcester in the Shrewsbury St. neighborhood. He loved being “Italian,” with all that it entails, from the huge extended family gatherings, homemade food, game playing, and singing, to his firm belief in God and strong Catholic faith. Praying with his players was a pre-game ritual. He brought many a team, his “family” away from home to Sunday mass while on the road but filing into St. Bernards with Mary and their 7 kids was always a special time for him. He was a simple man who never forgot who he was and where he came from. 

 Ralph saw sports as an opportunity and chance to excel in the game of life. “If deserving, accolades will come your way… quiet thunder,” he’d say. He coached, to win with a combination of old school rules and an allegiance to “team.” He was dedicated to the development of lifelong lasting relationships that came from loyalty to your team. He stayed involved coaching until he was 94 yo. never deviating from his standards.

In his earlier years, Ralph was a 1943 graduate of Commerce High School where he excelled in sports, He was the Team Captain for baseball, football and basketball and known to run track when he could fit it in. Ralph joined the U.S. Army serving his country proudly during World War II as part of the campaigns of the Rhineland and Central Europe. He was discharged as Sergeant in 1946. He entered the University of Miami where he earned a BA in education while he captained the baseball team and was later inducted into the hurricanes Hall of Fame. Upon graduating, Ralph returned home and in 1949, married the “Love of his Life” Mary I. Morello. “She made me a picnic lunch at East Park and the rest is history” he’d say. The couple shared in their mutual dedication to family with a devotion to one another no matter what.

 Ralph went on to earn his master’s degree in education from Worcester State College.  He initially worked at Wyman Gordon but in 1966 He became a Physical Education Teacher at Doherty H.S. in Worcester. He coached Baseball, Football, and later softball while at Doherty. A very special love and place remained a constant in his heart for many of his H.S student athletes. The Football and Baseball team earned several Championship titles over the 18 years he was there, before retiring in 1984.

  Ralph then began a period in his life that started as a dream. During his summers off from teaching he had been coaching the Raybestos Brakettes an ASA travel team of elite softball players from across the United States. He had racked up many records and was one of the winningest coaches in sports history. He knew if softball were to become an Olympic event someday, he would be prepared and ready to take the helm as head coach. His goal came to fruition when he was named the 1st everTeam USA Head Softball Coach for the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, each time winning gold. He was elated to bring these honors home to Worcester. The Olympic  team went on to win in the Pan Am Games, in addition to seven world tournament gold medals and twenty six national tournament titles. He has been honored for his many wins around the World. He has been inducted into nine Hall of Fames including the University of Miami, USA Olympic Hall of Fame, ASA Softball, International Softball, Massachusetts Football Coaches, City of Worcester Athletic, and the Sons of Italy Lodge 168, Athletic Halls of Fame. 

Ralph is survived by his loving wife Mary: his seven children, Michael A. Raymond and wife Mary of West Boylston, Ralph A. (Bud) Raymond, Jr. and partner Rhonda Needleman of Martha’s Vineyard, John J. Raymond and wife Antoinette of Falmouth, Robert Raymond and wife Dana of Venice, California, Mary Ann Baronoski and husband Richard of North Brookfield, Kathy Ermilio and husband Francis (Bud) of Shrewsbury, Patricia Cannon and husband Michael of Worcester; thirteen grandchildren,  Christina, Lisa, Tim, Michael & Gina Raymond, Jenna, Matt, & Julie Baronoski, Lydia, Alina, Patrice & Frank Ermilio, James Cannon, two great granddaughters Emma and Sarah Follows. Ralph took immense pleasure in passing along family traditions to each grandchild, he reveled in all their life achievements and loved watching their sporting events. Ralph also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends from around the world. 

He was a member of Our Lady of Providence Parish and St Bernard Church, the Eastside Post 201 American Legion, Massachusetts Teachers Association and National Education Association. 

The family would also like to express their sincere thanks to the staff at the JHC Hospice for their kind, compassionate, and professional care.

Friends and relatives are invited to gather with family for calling hours Sunday, April 28^th from 3 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.   His funeral will be celebrated, Monday April 29^th from the funeral home with a procession to St Bernard's Church, 228 Lincoln Street where his Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 am.  Burial with military honors will follow in St John Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in his name to the Boys and Girls Club of Worcester.