Raymond Gerard DeRusha, Jr, 67, of Nashua, passed away Friday, September 25, 2020, surrounded by his loving family after a difficult nine-month battle with lung cancer.
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, August 11, 1953, Raymond was the eldest of nine children of the late Raymond and Margaret (Birchall) DeRusha. He attended Keith Academy and graduated from Lowell High School Class of 1971.
Raymond is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Deborah (Robson) DeRusha; three children and six grandchildren, Raymond and Angela (Paul) DeRusha III and their children, Jacob DeRusha, Elizabeth DeRusha and Raymond DeRusha IV of Nashua, NH; Debb DeRusha and her two boys Cameron Reinhold and Tyler Reinhold of Nashua, NH, Candice (DeRusha) and Jayson Conn and their son Ethan Conn of Bedford, NH.
Raymond was predeceased by a sister, Mary (DeRusha) Gallant and is survived by sisters, Martha DeRusha, Marjorie DeRusha-Morris, Margaret Gerace, Marianne DeRusha, Marie DeRusha, Marilyn (DeRusha) and her husband Daniel Massey; a brother Harold DeRusha and brother-in-law John Gallant.
In-laws were a special part of Raymond’s family, Brenda (Robson) Rosa, Karen (Robson) and James Gagnon, Judith (Robson and Steven Casey, Melissa (Robson) Hurynowicz, Linn (Robson) and Robert Kelleher, Lawrence and Kimberly Robson, David and Susan Robson.
With being the elder of two large families there are many nieces, nephews, cousins and god children that lost a comforting shoulder to lean on.
Raymond was employed at Ingersoll Rand for 26 years as a machinist. Working a second job as a part time driver at night for NFI Industries allowed him to do what he loved, driving 18 wheelers. This passion led him to becoming the owner operator of DeRusha Trucking. This would allow him to see the country with his wife but not before his children had their own families. He always put his children and family before himself.
Raymond was a big fan of baseball, hockey and football. He loved his Red Sox but would listen to and watch any baseball game he could find. His baseball card collection was a treasure to him. He was a Manchester Monarch season ticket holder for 18 seasons, but the Bruins were never far away. Ray was a big Dallas Cowboys fan, even making a trip to Dallas to see them play the Patriots. Ray loved getting on his motorcycle, with his wife on the back, to head to the beach for seafood, sunsets and fireworks. Ray also enjoyed playing and coaching softball in Nashua and Merrimack where he met many lifelong friends.
Pappy’s most cherished time spent was with his grandkids. Whether it was watching them play sports, perform in concerts, recycling trips to the dump or puttering around the garage, those times always made his day.
A loving husband, amazing father, beloved Pappy, and genuine hardworking, good guy. He was a father figure to many more people than just his children. His timely, sarcastic remarks and naps at family gathers will not be forgotten. He will be loved and missed by all but will undoubtably inspire and strengthen future generations for many years to come.
HIS WALK -THROUGH VISITATION will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Tuesday, September 29th from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Christopher Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua, Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock. Donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. www.farwellfuneralservice.com
