Raymond P McNamara, 81, passed away on March 15, 2026, at South County Hospital in South Kingstown, surrounded by his loving family. They take comfort in knowing he passed peacefully and was welcomed into heaven by those who went before him - of course arriving just in time for their St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Raymond was born on August 27, 1944, in Worcester, Massachusetts to Robert J. McNamara Sr. and Beatrice D (Viger) McNamara. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert J. McNamara Jr.

Ray grew up in Worcester and attended Worcester Boys Trade School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War era. While stationed in Germany, he trained in radar repair and worked as a calibration specialist.

After returning home in 1966, Ray met and married Paula (Charette) McNamara, beginning a partnership that would span 58 years. Together they built a life rooted in loyalty, family, and a deep devotion.

Following his military service, Ray studied electronics and became an electronics technician before earning his license as a Master Electrician. He worked at Sprague Electric in Worcester before moving his family to Wakefield, Rhode Island to take a position at Warren Pump (Ahlstrom) in Peace Dale. As manufacturing continued to move away from Rhode Island, Ray spent time at Texas Instruments, Bostich, Rhode Island Hospital, and Holland Electric.

Ray was known for his warm and outgoing nature. He never met a stranger and moved through life with a sense that his guardian angels were always nearby. His resilient spirit got him through every obstacle and people often experienced his generous, sentimental heart.

He believed deeply in living life with 'no regrets', embracing spontaneity, laughter, and the simple joy of being with people he loved. He taught his daughter that cooking didn't always need a recipe, that kindness and consideration were the foundation of a long marriage, and that laughter was often the best medicine. Around a campfire he could often be heard singing the playful song about the "hole in the bottom of the sea."

Music was always part of Ray's life. As a young man he played snare drum in a drum and bugle corps and carried a natural rhythm with him throughout his life. He enjoyed all kinds of music, and summer evenings often found him outside by a fire, listening to a Boston Red Sox game on the radio while enjoying a vodka, his favorite drink.

Ray was fiercely loyal to his wife Paula and daughter Kim. When Kim, Keith, and Eden traveled by car or camper on family vacations, Ray and Paula were often not far behind. They were frequent visitors at the family's seasonal campsite and cherished those summer days spent together.

His greatest joy in life was his granddaughter, Eden Maeve Kelley. When Eden was young, Ray could often be found outside playing tag with her or running through the sprinkler on warm summer days. He and Paula loved taking her on special trips, including visits to New York City to see the Christmas tree and the Radio City Rockettes, train rides to Boston, and family outings to Story Land and Santa's Village. As Eden grew older, he never missed an opportunity to attend school events, Grandparents Day celebrations, or admire her in her prom gowns before prom.

Ray loved deeply and was never afraid to say so. He expressed pride in his family openly and often, and those closest to him always knew exactly how much they meant to him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Paula (Charette) McNamara; their daughter, Kimberly Ann McNamara-Kelley and her husband Keith Kelley of Hopkinton; and his cherished granddaughter, Eden Maeve Kelley. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved dearly.

Ray was blessed with lifelong friendships that meant the world to him. His closest friends, Ronald Maesto (Paulette) and Robert Mercier (Nancy), shared more than seven decades of friendship with him.

Ray will be remembered for his big heart, his loyalty to family, his laughter around a campfire, and the way he lived life without hesitation or regret.

His family would like to thank the staff at the South County Hospital Emergency Department and Brittany, his nurse in the Intensive Care Unit.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 10 AM in Christ the King Church, 180 Old North Rd, Kingston. Burial with military honors will follow in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Calling hours for Ray will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 4 to 7 PM in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Rhode Island Chapter, 245 Waterman St, Providence, RI 02906.