Eugene Ravenelle

Pawcatuck — Eugene W. Ravenelle, 86, of Pawcatuck, husband to the late Beverly (Fuller) Ravenelle, passed away Friday, Sept. 29, 2017, at home surrounded by his family, after a brief illness.

Born in Stonington, he was the son of the late Ubald and Rose (Cardinal) Ravenelle. He attended St. Michael’s School and lived in Pawcatuck for most of his life.

Gene was a weaver employed with the American Velvet Mill for 50 years, retiring in 1998.

During his time at the Velvet Mill, he was also a school bus driver for Stonington Public Schools for 12 years.

He was a longtime member of the Surfside 8 Square Dance Club where he made many friends and could be found dancing for community events and traveling throughout New England dancing with other clubs. Gene was also a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Korean War.

Eugene and Beverly made everyone feel welcome in their home. Gene enjoyed building picnic tables for family and friends, fishing with Dan, cooking, and country fairs. He loved being by the ocean and driving to the Watch Hill Lighthouse with family members. His most recent passion has been organizing an upcoming family reunion. He will be remembered for his big heart and fun loving spirit.

He is survived by his three children, Karen Ravenelle-Bloom and her husband, Bob Bloom, of Willington, Dan Ravenelle and his partner, Kathy Archambault, of Waterford, and Deb Ravenelle and her sweetheart, Rob Maynard, of Johnson, Vt.; his five siblings, Arthur Ravenelle of Westerly, Albert Ravenelle, Rita Adriano and Rhea Lenihan all of Pawcatuck, and Kenneth Ravenelle of Voluntown; granddaughter, Victoria Ravenelle and her mother, Linda Ravenelle, of Groton; Anna Nicholas of Bradford, R.I.; and many extended family members and friends. Gene is also survived by his caregiver and close friend, Lyda Meyers, who gave him special care and comfort over the last several years. He was predeceased by three siblings, Edmond Ravenelle, Irene Nugent and Lillian Ravenelle.

His family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at the Mystic Funeral Home located on Route 1 in Mystic. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Pawcatuck.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice to help hurricane relief.