Raymond Brodeur

OXFORD – Raymond T. Brodeur, 83, of Church Street, died Tuesday, July 31, 2007, in his home. He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Diane (Stone) Brodeur of Oxford. He is survived by two daughters, Pamela R. Dowgiewicz and her close friend Richard Therrien of Webster, and Kimetha A. Kingsbury and her husband William of Oxford; three grandchildren, Jeffrey and Ashley Dowgiewicz, and Stephen Black; two step grandchildren, Ryan Kingsbury and Heather Talledo; and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Brodeur; and two sisters, Clara LaCroix and Pauline Baka. He was born in Oxford, the son of the late Paul and Marion (Durfee) Brodeur, and was raised in Oxford and lived in Maryland for 4 years before moving back to Oxford 49 years ago. Mr. Brodeur left Oxford High School and a promising baseball career when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. He received his diploma 57 years later at a ceremony recognizing veterans at the Oxford High School. He was also inducted into the Oxford High School Hall of Fame for sports. Mr. Brodeur owned and operated the Huguenot Lanes Bowling Alley in Oxford for 24 years, retiring many years ago. Previously, he was a heavy equipment operator for Ben Thibeault Construction in Oxford. Mr. Brodeur was a member of the First Congregational Church in Oxford, and was the church custodian for many years. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post 5663 and the American Legion Post 58, both in Oxford. He enjoyed raising and showing Morgan horses. A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 3, 2007, at the First Congregational Church, 355 Main St., Oxford. Military burial will follow at Mount Zion Cemetery, Webster, with the Oxford Memorial Honor Guard participating. Calling hours are Thursday, August 2, 2007, from 5-8 p.m. at Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford High School Athletic Dept., 495 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540, or to the First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 585, Oxford, MA 01540.