Raymond McNamara

Raymond P. McNamara, 81, of Wakefield, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, at South County Hospital in South Kingstown, surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 27, 1944, in Worcester, Massachusetts, he was the son of Robert J. McNamara Sr. and Beatrice D. (Viger) McNamara. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert J. McNamara Jr.

After growing up in Worcester and graduating from Worcester Boys Trade School, Ray enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War era. While stationed in Germany, he trained in radar repair and worked as a calibration specialist. Upon returning home in 1966, he met and married Paula (Charette) McNamara. Their devoted partnership lasted 58 years. Ray went on to study electronics, became a licensed Master Electrician, and worked at Sprague Electric in Worcester before moving his family to Wakefield. He later held positions at Warren Pump in Peace Dale, Texas Instruments, Bostitch, Rhode Island Hospital, and Holland Electric.

Ray was known for his warm, outgoing nature and his ability to befriend anyone he met. Guided by a resilient spirit and a deep sense of loyalty, he lived with the conviction of having “no regrets,” embracing spontaneity, laughter, and the joy of being with those he loved. He taught his daughter the value of cooking without a recipe, the importance of kindness in marriage, and that laughter was often the best medicine. Music remained a constant in his life; he played snare drum in a drum and bugle corps as a young man and carried a natural rhythm with him always. He loved gathering around a campfire, singing, listening to Boston Red Sox games on the radio, and enjoying a vodka.

Above all, Ray cherished his family. He was fiercely loyal to his wife Paula and daughter Kimberly Ann McNamara-Kelley and her husband Keith Kelley of Hopkinton. He took great delight in family vacations, camping trips, and summers spent together. His greatest joy was his granddaughter, Eden Maeve Kelley. From playing tag and running through sprinklers when she was young to attending school events, Grandparents Day celebrations, and admiring her in prom gowns, he remained a constant, loving presence in her life. He expressed his love and pride openly and often, ensuring those closest to him always knew how deeply they mattered.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Paula (Charette) McNamara; his daughter, Kimberly Ann McNamara-Kelley and her husband Keith Kelley; and his cherished granddaughter, Eden Maeve Kelley. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as lifelong friends Ronald Maesto and Paulette, and Robert Mercier and Nancy, with whom he shared more than seven decades of friendship. Ray will be remembered for his big heart, his loyalty, his laughter around the campfire, and the way he embraced life without hesitation or regret.