Obituary of Raymond D. Josephson

Raymond D. Josephson, age 89, of Woburn, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2024 at Lahey Hospital with his loving daughters by his side.  He was the beloved husband of the late Shirley E. (Murray) Josephson, with whom he would have shared 70 beautiful years of marriage on December 26.

Born in Medford, MA on June 10, 1935, he was one of ten children of the late John and Ebba (Peterson) Josephson.  Raymond grew up in Woburn, MA, and finished his education while honorably serving in the United States Air Force.  Just before entering the service, Raymond met the love of his life, Shirley, and they were married at the young age of 19.  From the moment the two met, they were absolutely inseparable, and anyone who knew them could see how much they were meant for one another.  Every single day of their incredible 70 year marriage, Raymond would walk into the kitchen, wrap Shirley in a hug and ask “and how was my little bride’s day today?” Their marriage was perfect in nearly every way, and the deep-rooted values of kindness, love, and compassion that run in their family were truly instilled by their example.  

During his working years, while raising his family with his wife, Raymond held many titles.  There were times in his life that he held down three jobs just to ensure that the family would have money for “the extras” in life.  He wanted nothing more than to dote upon his loving wife and daughters, and to make lifelong memories of their summer vacations at various cottages in NH.  The proudest title that Raymond held though, was Dad—until he became Grampy/Grampa/Papa of course.  His overall demeanor and calm way of handling life’s many obstacles made him the perfect “girl dad”.  His patience not only with his daughters, but everyone who knew him, truly knew no bounds.  Even when it came time to teach his daughters to drive, he did so gladly, and just like every other time in their lives—never yelled.  As the years went by, and their children grew, Raymond and Shirley began traveling together regularly.  They went to places like NYC to see Ellis Island, Hawaii, and to Aruba every five years. Aruba was the trip they always looked forward to the most, as they had coined the island as “their place”.   In his free time, when he had it, Raymond could be found puttering around his yard, woodworking, or spending time with his loving children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Raymond was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend.  His soft-spoken manner, and genuine desire to love everyone around him set him apart from the rest. He will be deeply and sorely missed by all who knew and loved him, but it offers some consolation knowing he was finally reunited with his loving Bride.  

Raymond was predeceased by his only son, Raymond Josephson Jr., his youngest daughter, Karen Johnson, and granddaughter, Jill Edmunds.  He was also a dear brother of the late Norman Josephson, Joan Sullivan, Gladys Josephson, and Betty Josephson, and brother-in-law of the late Avis Josephson, and John McCarthy.

Surviving Raymond are his devoted daughters, Debbie Masotta and her husband Mike of Laconia, NH; Donna Edmunds and her partner Shannon Duguay of Manchester, NH; Cathy Colquitt and her husband David of New Bern, NC; and Scott Compton of Woburn, MA, life partner of the late Karen Johnson. He is also survived by his eleven adoring grandchildren: Erin, Lauren, Shane, Nicholas, Adam, Kimmy, James, Devon, Mariah, Nikki, and Shea; his six loving great-grandchildren: Mackenzie, Jade, Lucas, Ava, Stella, and Sophia. He also leaves behind his beloved siblings, Bob Josephson, Gordon Josephson and his wife Diane, Priscilla McCarthy, Judy Porter and her husband Jack, Linda Richards and her husband Jim, his dear sister-in-law, Judith Josephson, as well as his many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation for Raymond on Thursday, December 26^th at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm.  His Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home at 12:30 pm.  Burial will immediately follow at Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn.