Raymond C. Frias, 81, of New Bedford passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at home surrounded by his loving family, friends and caretakers. He was the husband of Eleanor Torres Frias and the late Ann (Delano) Frias.
Born in Bristol, RI, son of the late Manuel and Maria (Rodrigues) Frias, he had lived in Dartmouth for most of his life. A graduate of Dartmouth High School Class of 1949, he was a special agent for New York Life until his retirement in 1994. Ray was a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table and received numerous awards throughout his career. A veteran of the Korean War, he served his country in the United States Army.
Raymond was involved in many community activities. He was a member of the Dartmouth town meeting and served on numerous town boards and building committees. As a 59 year member of Smith Mills Christian Congregational Church, he participated in many church activities, serving on committees and boards, teaching Sunday School, acting in church plays, and was involved in the Inter-church Council of Greater New Bedford. A former member of the Allendale Country Club, he served on the board of directors. He was a member of the Noquochoke Lodge A.F. & A.M.
Survivors include a son: Raymond “Chuck” Frias and his wife Marilyn of Aspen, Colorado; 2 daughters: Beth A. Doherty and her husband Michael of Dartmouth and Christine Steed and her husband Raymond of Dartmouth; a sister: Florence C. Mello of Dartmouth; a step-daughter Donna Torres; 7 grandchildren: Michael P. Doherty and his wife Brooke, Brian E. Doherty and his wife Jessica, Sean B. Doherty and his wife Natalie, Kara A. Frias, Richard C. Frias, Samuel T. Steed and Anna B. Steed; 2 great grandchildren: Caitlin and Adele; and several nieces and nephews.
He was brother of the late Mae Correia, Ernest C. Frias, Edward C. Frias, Lillian C. Frias, Oswald Frias and Manuel Frias.
Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at the Smith Mills Christian Congregational Church, 11 Anderson Way, Dartmouth at 10:00 A.M.
Calling hours Monday 4 – 7 P.M. with a Masonic Service at 6:30 P.M. from the Smith Mills Christian Congregational Church.
Interment in Maple Grove Cemetery, Westport.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Community Nurse and Hospice Care, P.O. Box 751, Fairhaven, MA 02719 or Smith Mills Christian Congregational Church, 11 Anderson Way, Dartmouth, MA 02747.