Deacon Raymond Desilets

Deacon Raymond Desilets of St. Johnsbury passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 at the age of 94.

The Desilets were longtime residents of High Street and the Clouatre House at the head of Main Street and most recently, the Canterbury Inn.

He was born in St. Johnsbury on April 12, 1922, one of two children born to Napoleon and Florence (Gregoire) Desilets. He was predeceased by his sister Arlene St. Hillaire.

Raymond graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1941 and was proud to be able to attend his 75th class reunion this past June.

On Sept. 25, 1948 he and Germaine Hebert of Lyndonville were united in marriage after Ray served in the U.S. Army Air Force at the end of WWII. He was a retired longtime Fairbanks employee.

Ray coached the Notre Dame/Catholic Central girls basketball team for many years and also enjoyed following his children and the many sports they participated in.

Ray became ordained as a Catholic Deacon on June 25, 1983. His service as deacon at St. Johns Church was a labor of love that fulfilled early yearnings to perhaps choose the priesthood. He also was a very dedicated follower of the secular Franciscans.

Predeceased by his oldest child, daughter Christine Douglas last Feb. 15, he is survived by Gerry, his wife of 68 years; daughter Mary Reinhardt and husband William of Gilmanton, N.H.; two sons: Ray Desilets and wife Jeana of St. Johnsbury, Russell Desilets and wife Beth of Montgomery, Texas; son-in-law Michael Douglas of St. Johnsbury; seven grandchildren: Brian Douglas and wife Sarah of Fairport, NY, Joshua Douglas of Washington, D.C., Cynthia Bugnacki and husband Michael of Gilmanton, N.H., William Reinhardt and wife Nichole of Gilmanton, N.H., Nicquelle Timson and husband Shawn of Barnet; Russell Gage and Shae Desilets of Texas; nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial  will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will be held at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in May. Because of his standing as a deacon, visiting hours will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church Monday evening, Jan. 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions could be directed to The Good Shepherd School, 121 Maple St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.saylesfh.com.