Raymond H. (Flash) Rondeau, 98, of Chandler, AZ, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2023, at Desert Rose Assisted Living.

Ray, the third oldest of 8 siblings, was born on August 18, 1924, in Uxbridge, MA to Frank and Ora (Bartlett) Rondeau. He attended Northbridge High School in Whitinsville, MA, but was unable to complete his graduation due to his service in WWII. He served in the Army Air Force and worked as a crew chief on the P-39, P-40, and P-51 fighter planes. Due to a state program that allowed WWII vets to receive their diploma later in life, Ray was thrilled to participate in person at his graduation services in June 2007, at age 84!

Upon Ray's discharge from the service, he returned home and married Lydia (DeStefanis) at Good Shepard Catholic Church in Linwood, MA on September 14, 1946; they were married for 60 years. In 1947, they moved to Milwaukee, WI, where Ray spent the next 40 years in the tool and die industry. Due to his exceptional machining skills, he worked as a jig bore/jig grinder. He retired from Master Lock in 1987.

Ray enjoyed volunteering, which started when their oldest daughter Deanna was diagnosed with Down Syndrome in 1950. He spent the next 13 years as an officer of the original Milwaukee Parents Group to advance education for mentally/physically challenged children. They accomplished a lot with minimal resources. After his retirement, Ray moved to Chandler, AZ. He became actively involved with Compadre Stadium during the time the Milwaukee Brewers had their spring training camp there, helping with maintenance and the team store. After the Brewers left Chandler, he then volunteered for another 10 years at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, handling their door hardware department.

Ray enjoyed supporting various sporting events in the valley, including the Super Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and other events. He also worked as an AZ Diamondbacks Golden Glover and had the chance to throw out a first pitch. Ray's hobbies included family road trips, photography, sharing stories of his life, and spending valuable time with his family.

Those Ray leaves behind to cherish his memory include his youngest daughter Linda Rondeau (Phoenix, AZ), his sister Lucille Kogut (Uxbridge, MA), brother Paul (Natalie) Rondeau (Georgetown, MA), sister-in-law Kathy Rondeau (Whitinsville, MA), and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his wife Lydia and oldest daughter Deanna. In addition, he is predeceased by his brothers Joe, Fred, Leo and Richard, and sister Doris.

The family would like to thank the staff at Desert Rose Assisted Living for their help and gentleness in caring for Ray.

Ray will always be remembered for being a good and hardworking man and always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be truly missed.

Ray's wishes were to be cremated and buried in a private ceremony at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery (Phoenix, AZ). Donations in Ray's memory can be made to a charity of your choice.

Posted online on August 03, 2023

Published in The Arizona Republic

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Raymond Henry Rondeau Obituary - The Arizona Republic - The Arizona Republic