Raymond F. Bunnell, Jr.

LEOMINSTER - Raymond F. Bunnell, Jr., of Leominster, MA, died on December 2, at the age of 78, after an extended illness.

After graduating from Leominster High School in 1960, where he was a star lineman for the Leominster Blue Devils, Raymond briefly attended college and then enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. While proudly serving his country in Portland, Maine, he married his high school sweetheart Karen, and started a family. After his Honorable Discharge, he moved back to Leominster to be surrounded by the extended family that he cherished.

Raymond found employment as a route salesman for Nissen Baking Company, and in ensuing years delivered bread and pastries for Fantini, Little Debbie, Vachon, and Hostess. He enjoyed waking up at the crack of dawn, loading his truck, watching the sun rise, and interacting with all of the other route salesman and grocery store employees whom he befriended.

Raymond was an avid sports fan. He was a passionate supporter of the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He spent many years coaching his sons in the Leominster American Little League, and attending all of his children’s and grandchildren’s sports activities.

Raymond and his wife were inseparable.

They have been each other’s best friends since meeting in high school. They loved traveling, cooking, and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Raymond will mostly be remembered for his sweet and pleasant disposition, his kindness, sense of humor, and his infinite passion for his family. He was an incredibly dedicated and loving father and grandfather.

Raymond is survived by his loving wife, Karen Bunnell (DeCarolis) of Leominster, MA, his son Patrick Bunnell and daughter-in-law Leslie of Harvard, MA, his daughter Kelly Ann Graham and son-in-law David of Westminster, MA, his son Kevin Bunnell and daughter-in-law Jessica of Westwood, MA, and his grandchildren Christopher, Hiley, Emmy, Jack, Maxx, Benjamin and Maddison. He is also survived by his sister Linda of Babylon, NY, and brother Harry, of Lawrence, MA. He had two sons, Shawn and Christopher, who predeceased him.

BUNNELL - Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no calling hours. The funeral at St. Anna’s Church in Leominster, MA, will be private for immediate family only and not open to the public. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.