Obituary of Henry "Hank" George Raynor

Henry George Raynor “Hank,” age 82 of Waltham, sadly passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.   He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Virginia Agnes (Connors) Raynor “Ginny”, who died on June 21, 2006.   Born June 19, 1940, in Somerville, he was the son of the late Henry Gould Raynor "Harry” and late Sundrina Dorothy (Chiappa) Raynor “Sunny” of Burlington, Massachusetts.  Henry was a 1958 graduate of Burlington High School.   He enlisted in the Navy in 1962.  He served as a radar operator aboard the USS Little Rock.  The Little Rock was a Galveston Class guided missile cruiser and often served as the Sixth Fleet flagship.  He spent over four years in the Navy and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.  He was extremely proud of his service to his country and proudly wore his large collection of Navy and Veteran baseball caps each day. 

Henry had a long career in early computers as a Computer Operator starting with W.H. Nichols Co., New England Deaconess Hospital, Army Corps of Engineer New England Division, ending his career at Commercial Union - One Beacon. He chose early retirement to take care of his wife Ginny who suffered from early onset Alzheimer's Disease.   

Henry has made his home in Waltham for over 45 years where he and his wife Ginny raised three children.  He was the proud Grandfather of three grandsons and three grand-pups.  He lit up whenever they were around.   

He loved his small rescue dogs.  He rescued his last dog Gucci from the MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen.  He went in and asked the staff which dog had been there the longest.  A few minutes later we met the friend that would give him purpose for years to come.   

He and his late wife Ginny enjoyed clambakes, Christmas in July parties and walks with Ewok on the beach at Camp Eaton in York Maine.  He was thrilled to make several memorable trips to Ireland where he attempted to kiss the Blarney Stone and was volunteered up to make his own batch of Jameson which he carefully transported home.  Every Christmas Eve and St. Patrick’s parties were happily spent singing and toasting with long time close friends who were family.  

He will be missed dearly by everyone who knew him. 

Henry was the husband of the late Virginia “Ginny”(Connors).  Loving father of Henry George Raynor, Jr. & his wife Denise of Plainville, Lisa Shaw & her husband Fred of Concord, and Kimberly Persson & her husband Chris of Stoddard, NH.  Brother of the late Richard & his surviving wife Connie of Burlington.  Proud grandfather of Harrison George Shaw, Charles Edward Shaw, and William Gunnar Persson.  Also, proud grandfather to grand-pups Miley, Matilda and Elvis.  Henry “Uncle Hank” is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Brother-in-law of the late Thomas Connors and Priscilla Connors, and the late Jack Connors and late Margaret “Jean” Connors.   

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington on Saturday, March 25 from 9 to 10:15 a.m.  Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 920 Trapelo Rd, Waltham, MA 02452 at 11 a.m.  Services will conclude with a burial in Mt. Feake Cemetery, Waltham.   

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington on Saturday, March 25 from 9 to 10:15am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 920 Trapelo Rd, Waltham, MA 02452 at 11am.  Services will conclude with a burial in Mt. Feake Cemetery, Waltham.    

Memories may be shared at 

Online guestbook and Video tribute  www.sullivanfuneralhom.net. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to:  

MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA  01844. 

978-687-7453 - www.mspca.org