PORTLAND — Raymond J. Guimond Sr., 91, of Portland, died on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at his home.

He was born in Rumford, on Jan. 7, 1921, the son of Henry and Lena (Gaudet) Guimond.

He served in the U.S. Army as an anti-aircraft artilleryman during World War II, participating in the battles of Sicily, Naples Foggia, Rome Arno, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was awarded the Europe and Africa Middle East Theater Campaign Ribbons with Bronze Service Arrowhead.
He married Bertha R. Noonan in Portland on May 23, 1941.

He worked as an overhead crane operator for Maguire & Jones Steel Fabricators.

Ray was a hard-working family man and proud grandfather with a zest for life. He was always on the road doing what he called, “the pop,” driving by the homes of family and friends and popping in to say, “Hi.”

He loved fishing and hunting with his son Ray and his brothers-in-law.

He was active and helpful in his neighborhood, often mowing lawns and shoveling snow for people 20 to 30 years younger than himself. Although suffering from dementia in his last years, he never forgot his beloved wife and family. He will be missed by all.

He was predeceased by his wife, who died May 19, 2007; a daughter, Diane Rea Guimond; twin brother, Edmond Guimond; and brother, Peter Guimond.

He is survived by a daughter, Jean Guimond Fairweather of Portland; a son, Raymond J. Guimond Jr. of Standish; six grandchildren including Scott Guimond of Sebago; five great-grandchildren; and two great- great-grandsons.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated last Saturday at St. Joseph’s Church, 673 Stevens Avenue, Portland. Burial with military honors followed at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Arrangements are by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland. Online condolence may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Maine Veterans Home Patient Activity Fund, 290 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074.