As a child born in the Roaring Twenties and raised during the hardscrabble days of the Great Depression, Ray Belisle went to school atop a hill overlooking his hometown, the blue collar hardworking city of Woonsocket, Rhode Island. He would then travel halfway around the world in the service of his country as a member of the Greatest Generation. Ray would go on to a highly successful career in banking and be a leader in his community. For all that he saw and did during his nearly 100 years of living Ray Belisle kept close to his mind, heart and soul the lessons imparted to him by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart at the school atop the hill…. Namely faithfulness, fidelity and devotion to Church, Country, Family and Community. These lessons learned so long ago stayed with Ray Belisle throughout his century-long journey, they were lessons well-learned indeed.
Raymond W. Belisle. 99, of North Smithfield died peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Saturday August 10, 2024 at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. Ray was the husband of the late Florence (Mandeville) Belisle who passed away in June 2004. Since 2006 Ray was the loving companion of Suzanne Bernier of North Smithfield. Ray and Sue shared 18 wonderful years together.
Born and raised on Lincoln Street in Woonsocket, Ray was the son of the late Wilfred and Cora (Proulx) Belisle. He was a lifetime resident of Woonsocket and later North Smithfield. Ray had recently taken up residence at the Rhode Island Veteran’s Home in Bristol where he found a special loving and caring community amongst fellow veterans.
Ray attended Holy Family School and was a proud graduate of Mount Saint Charles Academy with the class of 1942. As the current oldest graduate of Mount and the last living member of his class Ray was honored at a number of events at Mount over the past several years. Ray truly loved Mount and wholeheartedly agreed that “Once a Mountie…always a Mountie”.
Mr. Belisle was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the WWII era. He served in the Pacific theater with the occupation force in the Philippine Islands from 1946 to 1947. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal.
Following his service to his country Ray returned to Woonsocket. His career in banking began at the former Plantation Bank and he would go on to management positons with the Old Stone Bank in Providence. Ray was tasked with the opening of the Old Stone Bank branch at Park Square in North Smithfield. He would go on to have the responsibility as the master key holder for all Old Stone Bank branches in the state of Rhode Island. Ray would enjoy a meaningful and successful 40-plus year career until his retirement in 1986.
Mr. Belisle was a longtime communicant of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Slatersville. Ray was 50-plus year member of the Kiwanis Club. He served as the Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island Kiwanis and was the charter member and president of the North Smithfield Kiwanis Club. Ray was an avid golfer in his more active years. As a self-confessed “snow bird” Ray enjoyed many years at his winter home basking in the Florida sunshine.
Ray will be remembered as a man who loved his family, served his country and community, cared for those in need and who, blessed with nearly 100 years of life, strove to do the best he could each and every day he was blessed to have to live and love to the fullest.
Ray was the loving father of the late Dennis Belisle who passed away in May 2004 and his surviving wife, daughter-in-law Catherine Belisle of Glen Ridge, New Jersey. He was the proud Pepere of Nicole Belisle of Glen Ridge, New Jersey and Michael Belisle and his wife Callie of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the brother of the late Paul Belisle and Muriel Lozeau. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and their families.
Everyone is invited to honor, remember and pray for Ray at his Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial on Friday August 16, 2024 at 10:30 am in St. John the Evangelist Church on Church Street in Slatersville. Ray will be laid to rest with military honors alongside his beloved wife Florence and son Dennis in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, and in recognition of Ray’s lifelong commitment to and support of his alma mater, memorial donations may be made to Mt. St. Charles Academy, “Fund for Mount” 800 Logee St. Woonsocket, RI 02895 or at www.mountsaintcharles.org.
www.menardfuneralhome.com