Raynold “Ray” Alphonse Fongemie

WINTHROP – Raynold “Ray” Alphonse Fongemie, 88, died at home Dec. 29, 2022, having suffered with Alzheimer’s dementia for many years.

Ray was born on Oct. 18, 1934, in Van Buren, to parents Alphonse Fongemie and Clara (Lebel) Fongemie.

He graduated from Mount St. Charles Academy in Woonsocket, R.I. in 1952 and served in the U.S. Army in Texas 1954-’56.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine and worked for a time in the commodities market in New York.

Eventually, he returned home to his potato farming roots and worked in a managerial position at a potato processing plant in Easton.

In 1966, Ray met and married his beloved wife of 56 years Pauly (Dalling) Fongemie of Presque Isle.

In 1970, he earned a master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Maine. Soon thereafter he moved his family to Augusta, taking a job with the Maine Department of Labor as the Director of the Economic Analysis Division of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, retiring in 2004.

Ray was proceeded in death by his parents; and his sister, Carlene.

He is survived by his wife; sons John, Joseph and Jacob; brothers Nelson (Bernadette) and Dan (Sonja); and granddaughters Hannah and Rachel.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Gene Cheng, M.D. and most especially the nurses and CNAs of MaineGeneral HomeCare & Hospice for their extraordinary devotion and care.

A private Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, Augusta. Burial will follow in the spring at Holy Family Cemetery, Augusta. Prayers for the repose of Ray’s soul are deeply appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.