Raymond "Ray" Leanues

TAUNTON- Raymond Leanues, age 85, a lifelong resident of Taunton, passed away peacefully at home, on Thursday, March 2, 2023. He was the devoted husband for 61 years to the love of his life: Judith (Perry) Leanues.

Born in Taunton, Ray was one of nine children born to the late Manuel and Louise (Medeiros) Leanues.

Ray met his beautiful wife Judy in the most 1950s way one can imagine: by the jukebox. Their first date was at the drive-in where a milkshake was shared in one of the many stunning cars he’d have over his lifetime. Along with his admiration for cars, Ray loved music. The Leanues Family was filled with gifted musicians and Ray himself had a discerning ear for great music. When he wasn’t bragging about one of his talented siblings, he shared stories of watching big names like Louis Armstrong perform at Roseland Ballroom. Judy and Ray shared a love for The Beach Boys and saw them in concert many times.

At 17, Ray went from driving his first car to a tank. Being deployed meant he would travel the country and then the world. His fondest memories during this time were of visiting family on an apricot farm in California. Ray and his army buddies were some of the first people to step foot in the brand new Disneyland park in 1955–a fact which he shared so casually.

Ray was a dedicated father to his three beautiful girls. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for June, Doreen, and Melissa. His girls made him a grandfather and he was just as devoted to all six of his grandchildren. After three granddaughters, there was no hiding his excitement when he welcomed his first grandson. Another grandson followed but not without one more granddaughter for good measure. He was never “Grandpa.” He was, and will always be, Papa.

To really know Ray is to know Taunton. He couldn’t drive down a street that didn’t have a backstory. Memories literally around every corner. Whether it was the street he was born on, the road where an old friend lived, the spot where he’d sneak a mid-work-day ice cream–he took pride in his city. For 20+ years Ray served his city working for TMLP. He loved the opportunity to travel every inch of Taunton checking and installing meters. And in his later years, he loved going for long drives and pointing out each one of those meters.

For decades, Ray was a devout fan of Taunton High sports teams, attending any and all games that he could. As for professional teams, the New York Giants and the Atlanta Braves never knew a more loyal fan. Despite all the Patriots and Red Sox fans around him, his Braves and his Giants were always #1. He got a kick out of asking, “Hey Google, did my Braves win today?” And, on March 2nd they did win. Not just a spectator, Ray was an accomplished athlete in his own right. Bocce ball was his game and he spent many years traveling the Northeast for tournaments. But nothing brought him more joy than sitting on the sidelines cheering on any one of his many talented grandchildren. Dance recitals, soccer, baseball, football, field hockey–Ray was a happy man.

There’s too many stories and memories to share. What will stay with everyone are the little things. How he was always looking for some candy for that insatiable sweet tooth. No matter where he was, someone recognized him like some kind of Taunton celebrity. The yearly trips to New Hampshire that meant the world to him. His laugh, his colorful language, his singing voice. His unbelievable luck with any raffle or scratch ticket and the endless optimism that some day he’d hit the big bucks and spend it all on his family. The truth is, Ray never needed to win big to make his family happy. He spoiled them all with his kindness, generosity, and wisdom. But, in the future, if any of us win the big bucks, we’ll know Papa was behind it.

In addition to his wife, Ray is survived by his proud daughters: June Gove (Peter), Doreen Swartz (Ed), and Melissa DiNunzio (Michael); his 6 devoted grandchildren: Jess, Nicole, Sara, Nathan, Mia, and Anthony “AJ”; his loving siblings: Dorothy Carreiro, Evelyn McQuaid, Robert Leanues, Kenneth Leanues, and the late Edward Leanues, Donald Leanues, Gerry Leanues, and Joanne Leanues; and also numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

His funeral with visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 8:00am from the Silva Funeral Home 80 Broadway (at Saint Mary’s Square) Taunton, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, 499 Spring St., Dighton. Interment with US Military Honors will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Taunton.

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