Local Business Owner, WWII Veteran
Raymond E. Lorden, Sr., 92, of Hollis, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 29, 2016, in Dunedin, FL, while spending time with his sons at his winter home.
Born in Pepperell, MA, on September 19, 1924, Ray was a son of the late Charles and Josephine (Gardner) Lorden. As a youth he worked long hours in the family ice business. Following graduation from Pepperell High School in 1943, he was drafted into the Army and fought for his country while driving a Sherman tank on the battlefields of Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.
In 1946 after returning from the war, he married his high school sweetheart, Lorraine Dudley, of Hollis. He worked with his brothers to grow their family business, Lorden Oil Company. Ray moved his young family to Hollis in 1951 where he opened a branch of Lorden Oil as the company was expanding.
In 1986, Ray turned the family oil business over to his sons and nephews to run so that he and his wife could spend their winters in Florida and enjoy more time with their large and growing family, the family that was the center of his life. Ray will be remembered by all who knew him for his integrity, his gentleness and generosity.
Members of his family include three daughters and two sons-in-law, Sally Cambra of Sutter Creek, California, Linda and Joseph Marcum of Hollis and Brenda and Michael Jastrab of Milford; two sons and daughters-in-law, Daniel and Cheryl Lorden of Merrimack and Raymond Jr. and Joan Lorden of Hollis; and daughter-in-law Louise Lorden of Hampton. Also surviving him are his sister Catherine Hynes of Pepperell, 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ray was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Lorraine, two sons Alan Lorden and Brian Lorden; son-in-law Jerry Cambra; his five brothers, John Lorden, Charles Lorden, Richard Lorden, Norman Lorden, Timothy Lorden; and his sister, Eileen Shaughnessy.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday, October 5th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, Thursday morning at 11 a.m. Ray will be laid to rest at East Cemetery in Hollis next his loving wife and two sons. Friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy could consider a memorial donation to the Nashua Soup Kitchen, 2 Quincy Street, Nashua, NH 03060. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com
