Donald Parker Ray, 87, of Burlington, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud veteran, gifted athlete, and steadfast friend, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 24. Don’s legacy is woven into the many lives he touched with his quiet strength, steady presence, and unwavering devotion to family, service, and country.

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, Don was the beloved son of the late Donald G. Ray and Vera R. (Richards) McNab. He was raised between Fall River, MA and Woolwich, ME, two places that shaped his values, his character, and his lifelong love of the outdoors. From an early age, Don demonstrated a strong sense of discipline and responsibility. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America and earned the rank of Eagle Scout, a distinction that would later become a family tradition passed on to both his son, Tom and grandson, Kris.

Don’s early years were marked by athletic excellence. He split his high school education between Morse High School in Bath, ME and Durfee High School in Fall River, MA. On the baseball diamond, Don shone as a first baseman and pitcher, becoming the only freshman at Morse to letter in varsity baseball. At Durfee, he played on a baseball team that would go on to win the Massachusetts state championship, earning him honorable mention All-Scholastic recognition for his contributions. Don’s talents even caught the eye of scouts when he tried out for the Brooklyn Dodgers’ minor league affiliate. On the basketball court, he was a part of the 1956 team that captured the New England Tournament Championship, playing in the Boston Garden, a memory he held dear throughout his life.

Following high school, Don proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as a military police officer specializing in K-9 training and handling. Shortly after his discharge, Don met the love of his life, Roberta Jewell, through his sister, a chance encounter that blossomed into a remarkable love story. They wrote letters to one another while Don was employed with the U.S. Geological Survey in Merced, CA. They married within the year, beginning what would become 63 years of unwavering partnership, mutual respect, and devotion. Together, they raised a loving family and built a life filled with cherished traditions, countless adventures, and quiet, enduring love.

Shortly after they married in 1962, Don and Roberta lived in both Cambridge and Somerville, MA until they bought their first home in Burlington, MA in 1965. While working as an electromechanical design engineer at F.S. Payne Company, Don received an A.S. in Mechanical Design at Wentworth Institute in 1967. He also received a B.S. in Industrial Technology from Northeastern University in 1971. Don was a drafting instructor for ITT Technical Institute from 1978 to 1981.

In 1975, Don again answered the call to serve and joined the Army National Guard, where he worked full-time as a Recruiter and Career Counselor for 16 years. Known for his integrity and ability to connect with others, he helped countless young men and women find purpose and direction. Among those he recruited and worked alongside was future U.S. Senator Scott Brown.

His journey of faith began unexpectedly while playing on a church softball team. As he began to explore deeper questions about life and spirituality, it was the Baptist softball team that offered the answers and community he had been seeking. He was then baptized in the Baptist church. His faith, once kindled, became a quiet but steady source of strength. 

Don’s dedication to family was one of his most defining qualities. He passed down his scouting legacy by becoming Pack Master of Cub Scout Pack 555, where he guided not only his own children but many others in learning responsibility, leadership, and community values. 

Don’s interests included genealogy, visiting historic landmarks, cheering on the Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots, and watching History Channel documentaries. Don and Roberta shared a deep love of travel, exploring the world together on trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Italy, France, England, Scotland, the Caribbean, and across the United States. They especially cherished yearly trips to Rockland, Maine, where they created memories that would last a lifetime. 

In his retirement, Don embraced the role of grandfather with open arms and a full heart. He was always just a phone call away, ready to drive grandchildren home from school, cheer them on at events, or simply share a game of chess or Battleship. His gentle wisdom, reliable presence, and calming demeanor made him a treasured figure in their lives.

He was predeceased by his sister, Marilyn Delano.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Roberta (Jewell) Ray of Burlington, children, Betsy Jenks of Rushville, NE, Thomas Ray and his wife Pamela of Wilmington, Peter Ray of Arlington, Paul Ray and his wife Sharon of Maynard, Nicole Craven and her husband Eric of Anderson, SC, Donald Ray of Burlington, Benjamin Ray and his wife Jennifer of Franklin, and Heidi Doreau and her husband Philip of Burlington,  grandchildren, Kristopher Jenks, Alexandra Craven, Kathryn Ray, Madison Craven, Liam Ray, Alyssa Ray, Jack Ray, Ben Craven, Nolan Ray, Megan Ray, Emmett Doreau, Simon Doreau, two step-grandchildren Allison Barber and Marissa Barber, as well as two nephews, three great grandchildren, and several close friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his visiting hours on Friday, October 3 from 4 - 7pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 4 at 11:00am at Abundant Life Church, 173 Church St. Wilmington, MA.  Burial will be private and at the convenience of his family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Scouting America Foundation at scoutingamericafoundation.org.

Condolences to his family may be made at www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.