It is with great sadness that we announce the "end of an era", Onil H. Raiche, (Big Niel), 91, has peacefully passed away in his sleep surrounded by his family. He longed to join his wife of 70 years, Rita, who passed in June of 2025 and will be welcomed with open arms as soon as he can find her.
Onil was born in Manchester, NH to Onil H. Raiche Sr. and Antionette (Harris) Raiche, in his childhood home. He had an older brother Roland Raiche, an older sister Norma Lavigne and a younger sister Lucille Meyers, who have all now passed, along with their spouses Marilyn, Leo and Don.
Approaching 18 Onil served in the Navy and was a member of the American Legion and The Knights of Columbus. As for work, he could do anything and everything, and did! He was the head mechanic at Raiche Ford Sales in Derry and Manchester, NH. Operated Raiche Mobile Home Sales in Hooksett, NH, with his brother Roland. He developed, owned and operated Niels Mobile Home Park in Derry, NH. In the midst of all that, he met and married his wife Rita, bought the abutting land to her parents 165 acre farm, expanded and remodeled the house they resided in for 70 years and raised 2 children. He lived a very full life and was the hardest working man that ever was.
He loved football, faithfully watching the Patriots as if he owned the team. If you wanted to watch the game with him you had to be completely silent and if they were losing, you most definitely wanted to steer clear. He was a Ford man through and through, so much so that if your vehicle wasn't a Ford, be prepared to park in the street. He was a generous man and could make a deal like nobody's business. He bought used Ford trucks for each of his grandchildren when it came time, so he could teach them everything he knew about mechanics, a life lesson and a now cherished memory they will carry with them forever. Thank God they did not inherit his need to drive down the middle of the road like he owned it. He was a bit of a jokester, that kept you on your toes. He was always right, even when he wasn't and you were better off to just agree. Stopping by for happy hour on the front porch was always a great time, you might get a ride in one of the many Fords he owned or get a mechanical lesson of some sort, but everyone was always welcomed. We will miss him immensely, his humor, his unwavering hard working mentality, his devotion to family and friends and his willingness to help others whenever possible.
He leaves behind his son Niel, daughter-in-law Shelley and his grandsons Bretton and Nicholas all of which he lived with and was taken care of by, since his wife passed in 2025. He also leaves behind his daughter Debra, her husband Kevin, his granddaughters Andrea and Holly, their husbands John and Jeff and 4 beautiful great grandchildren Beau, Becca, Benny and Julian. Loads of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.
Following cremation, a graveside service with Navy honors will be held at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH on Monday, October 19, 2026 at 12:00pm.