New Bedford – Raymond J. Vien, 85, of New Bedford died at home after a long illness on March 12, 2006 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Alice (Motta) Vien; they were married for 63 years.
Mr. Vien was born in New Bedford, son of the late William and Lodia (Caplette) Vien, and was a lifelong resident of the city. He was an active communicant of St. Mary’s Church, New Bedford. Shortly after he was married, he entered the Army at the onset of WWII. After several months of training for the medical corps he was sent overseas where he served in the Northern Solomon Islands, Luzon Philippines and Japan. During his Army tenure he earned the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign ribbon, the American Theater Campaign ribbon, Philippine Liberation ribbon, Good Conduct and Victory medals. As a Technical Sergeant he received an honorable discharge in 1945. Upon his return, with the help of his father, he built a home in the North end of New Bedford. He worked briefly for the former Morse Twist Drill, New Bedford and soon decided to further his career options by pursuing educational opportunities offered through the GI Bill. Attending evening classes, he obtained his accreditation in refrigeration and air conditioning and began working at the former Ace Cabinet Corporation. After several years as a refrigeration foreman he left his position to establish the former Allied Engineering Corporation in New Bedford with his partner Paul Desjardins. They serviced the local fishing fleet and numerous area restaurants for over 25 years until his retirement in 1986. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the V.F.W. Post 6643, Freetown.
In addition to his widow, he is survived by 3 daughters: Carol M. Xavier and her former husband Louie of New Bedford, Nancy A. Clerc and her husband Richard of Acushnet and Janice L. Vien and her husband Sean of West Springfield, NH; a son: Ronald Vien and his wife Susan of Westport; 6 grandchildren: Steven F. Xavier of Ft. Meyers, FL, Gary R. Xavier of Susanville, CA, Matthew R. Clerc of Acushnet, Peter A. Clerc of Acushnet, Julie A. Clerc of Acushnet and Gabriel I. Lyon of West Springfield, NH; a great-granddaughter: Ashley X. Medeiros of Ft. Meyers, FL; and several nieces & nephews.
He was brother of the late Lauretta Pine.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend:
A memorial service on Friday at 9:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Church, New Bedford followed by a visitation with the family the New Bedford Days Inn, 500 Hathaway Road, New Bedford, MA 02740.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Community Nurse & Hospice Care, P.O. Box 831, Fairhaven, MA 02719-0831.
Private interment in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.