Raymond Atwood

Raymond Allen Atwood, of Somersworth, NH, born April 27, 1948, died suddenly on Saturday, April 2, 2017, just short of his 69th birthday.  Ray was an avid fisherman, woodworker, and all around handyman who used his many talents to help others.  He was an active member of the Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers. As a faithful congregant of First Church Congregational of Rochester, NH, he was currently serving as the Council Moderator, a Deacon, and Choir member.  After a recent church renovation, Ray combined two of these passions by turning a communion chalice and bowl from one of the original 1730 floor beams.   The Atwood Family often spent summers on Deer Isle, ME.  Ray then attended high school at Gould Academy in Bethel, ME, and thus developed his love of that state.  He lived in Maine for a number of years before marrying Konni and moving to NH.  He was a Vietnam War veteran, serving as a helicopter pilot.  After the war, Ray returned to college. He received a Bachelor's from the University of Massachusetts and a Master's Degree in Marketing from the University of Georgia.  He worked for many years in Purchasing at Prime Tanning.   Ray was predeceased by his parents, Stoughton and Velma Browne Atwood, formerly of Wrentham, MA.  He will be sorely missed by his wife of 21 years, Konni Kunkel Atwood; his sons, John and Nicholas; his step children, Hank Williams and his wife Madeline, and Becki Williams Green and her husband, Ben; his brother, George Atwood and partner, Karen Page, of Bucksport, ME; his sister, Nancy Atwood Sullivan and her husband, Terry of Webster, MA; and his many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  One of Ray's greatest enjoyments was being Grandpa Ray to his seven grandsons:  Caleb, Anthony, William, Ethan, Hunter, Hudson, and Atlas.   A light has gone out of this world, but will now glow forever with God.    In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society   Memorial calling hours will be held Sunday April 30 from 3-5 in the chapel of the R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main St, Rochester NH 03867   A memorial service will be held Monday May 1 at 11am in the First Church Congregational on South Main St in Rochester NH