Raymond LaPlante

Raymond LaPlante, aged 88, of Amesbury, MA, passed away peacefully at home on April 10, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.

Born on September 11, 1937, in Amesbury to Joseph and Angeline LaPlante, Ray spent his childhood in Berwick, Maine, before returning to his roots in Amesbury. A graduate of Haverhill Trade School, he mastered the trade of sheet metal—a skill that would define his professional legacy. Ray served as the plant manager at Amesbury Specialty for many years before fulfilling the dream of starting his own business, Rayco Machine, which he proudly operated alongside his sons.

In 1959, Ray married the love of his life, Jeanne Gosselin. Their romance was the stuff of 1950s legend—Ray in his classic hot rod and Jeanne in her poodle skirt and ankle socks. Together, they shared 66 years of a life deeply rooted in faith and family.

Ray was a man of simple pleasures and steady hands. He was happiest outdoors, whether he was cutting wood to keep the house warm, puttering around his yard, or enjoying summer weekends with the family at the camp in Maine. He and Jeanne continued their love of the road throughout their lives, often found cruising along the beach together and enjoying fish and chips.

Ray was the heart of the home—a man who made everyone feel like family. He was famous for his playful pestering, whether he was teasing the kids by acting like a "mosquito" while playing in the lake or making sure everyone had a bag of penny candy. His home was the "place to be," where the door was always open, the atmosphere was welcoming, and everyone was treated like family.

Ray was frequently spotted with a handful of chips in one hand and a tape measure in the other, but he always made time for what truly mattered—like making a fresh batch of popcorn for the kids to share. His grandchildren will forever cherish the memory of his famous 7th birthday donkeys and his signature brand of "lovingly pestering" everyone; he was a master at teasing to get a rise out of you, always knowing that a little bit of mischief was the best way to get a laugh.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanne LaPlante; his children, Ricky LaPlante and his partner Linda Hiltunen, Roger LaPlante and his wife Loretta, Gary LaPlante, and Karen Pelletier and her husband Jeff.

He was the proud grandfather to Jaime LaPlante, Jessica Ladd, Kristy Trefrey, Matthew LaPlante, Jillian LaPlante, Casey Pelletier, and Rebecca Pelletier; and great-grandfather to Charlotte, Madelyn, William, and Hadley, each of whom carried a special piece of his heart. He also leaves behind his cherished nephews, Jerry and Billy Morin, along with many friends and neighbors who became like family over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Angeline LaPlante; his sister, Pauline LaPlante Morin and her husband Ronnie; and his daughter-in-law, Amanda Smith LaPlante.

In keeping with Ray’s generous spirit, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of your choice in Raymond’s honor.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond LaPlante, please visit our floral store.