Ray E. Fernald, age 66, passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in Florida, where he enjoyed his last four years of retirement with his loving wife, LeeAnne Fernald. His death was unexpected and sudden due to heart complications. He was surrounded by his wife and family members.

Ray was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on June 6, 1955 and graduated from Portsmouth High School, Class of 1973. He was married to Annemarie Birse and had two daughters; they divorced in 1987. He married LeeAnne Bergeron in 1991 and they shared a long and loving marriage. He was a dedicated stepfather to her three children. Ray and LeeAnne lived in Lewiston and Sabattus, Maine until their retirements. They moved to Fort Pierce, Florida to enjoy the warm sunny weather and many walks along the beach.

Ray worked for the Dunkin Donuts Corporation for 35+ years. He was a man of many talents and hobbies. Ray loved music, played the drums professionally and for recreation, and enjoyed giving music lessons. He taught himself to play the piano and guitar. He loved reading classic novels and many other literary genres. Ray enjoyed playing golf, fishing and spending time with new friends and relatives who also lived in Florida. He loved all the holidays as well as spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had a natural knack for making up many stories for his children and grandchildren. He was a proud Husband, Father, and "Papa."

Ray is survived by his wife, LeeAnne Fernald and five children; Tammy Clark and husband Laury, Shannon Parsons and husband Steve, David Bergeron and wife Heather, Larry Bergeron and wife Sheila, and Rachael Fernald and partner Sathya; his eldest brother, Walter B. Fernald; seven grandchildren, Brian Clark, Samantha, Dillen, Logan, and Ryan Bergeron, Brigsby and Selah Parsons; and two great-grandchildren, Connor Clark and Jason Mackey. He has two nephews, Anthony and Ritchie Fernald and one niece, Lisa Fernald.

A celebration of life service will be held in Maine in early May.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Portsmouth High School Percussion Ensemble. Please make checks payable to: PHS Percussion Ensemble. Send donations to: PHS Percussion Ensemble, ℅ Steve Cirillo, 50 Andrew Jarvis Drive, Portsmouth, NH 03801