Raymond E. Anderson

Raymond E. Anderson, 87, passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center. He was the husband of the late Paula A. (Fortin) Anderson. Born in Providence, Ray was the son of the late Swan S. and Olive (Swenson) Anderson.

Ray was a gardener. To know Ray was to witness a man who was happiest when he nurtured everything and everyone around him. Ray’s joy came from observing what was needed and making sure he was there to help. Ray’s love ran deep, from his four children, Marc C. Anderson of Rumford, Erika E. Augustyn and her husband Peter of Riverside, Robert E. Anderson and his fiancé Tracy Rose of Rumford, and Crystal A. Garcia of Florida to his brother, Richard Anderson and his wife Patricia of Connecticut, and his special friend, Judith E. Sawyer.

Like all great gardeners, Ray’s family grew strong and wide under his watchful eye and tender care. He was blessed with seven great-grandchildren to go along with eleven grandchildren, including the late Kevin Anderson, and he was the proud foster parent to 32 children. The light that best captured Ray’s soul was a warm glow that emanated from his loved ones when all the generations of his family gathered around him. Leaning back in his chair, somehow seeming tall while seated, Ray drew everyone in. It was always a delight to catch his broad smile and the spirited gleam in his eye as Ray boomed through one playful story after another. As a husband, a father, a foster parent, a grandfather and a great-grandfather, Ray was at home at the center of his family.

Ray’s love for helping others poured out into the community in everything he did. He was an Elementary Physical Education Teacher for the Attleboro School Department for 38 years before he retired. He also was an adaptive Phys. Ed. Teacher at Dr. Coleman Eye Center in Rumford for many years. He received his undergraduate degree from the former Rhode Island Normal School, now known as Rhode Island College, and his Master's Degree from Rhode Island College. Over the years he worked for RI Resource Recovery, Adams Emergency One, and Blithewold. He served as a member of the Army Reserves. He was a lifelong East Providence resident and was very proud to call himself a "Townie."

Ray was a fountain of natural energy and cheer, and he spread his happiness far and wide. He volunteered for the East Bay Coalition for the Homeless, Newman Church, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Rumford Historical Society, Rumford Grange, Habitat for Humanity, organized countless reunions, drove for FISH-Friends in Service to Humanity, and made weekly visits to nursing homes and hosted trivia games for people that did not have visitors. He ran local political campaigns and was elected to the Rhode Island Constitutional Convention. He was a member of East Providence Elks, Rumford Lions, the Neighborhood Watch, and the South Providence Neighborhood ministries. If there was an organization that needed someone willing to give their time and energy or a group of people that needed someone to lift their spirits, Ray would find his way there.

Ray found time for everything. When he wasn’t volunteering or helping to raise countless kids, he was probably cooking for others and watching a Braves game. He loved dogs and road trips to visit far-flung friends, and he loved planning it all out: each ingredient in the recipe, each flower in the garden, each roadway on the trip, and each quip in his story was thoughtful and considered.

But something that can be lost in the volume of all that Ray put out into the world, is that he listened. In between all that he gave, he also took in people’s stories. A true gardener, Ray had a natural gift for listening to people and a special ability to consider the lives of everyone around him. In that way, Ray would first come to subtly understand the quiet turnings of the moment, and then he would leap forward, abounding with joy, and provide exactly what was needed.


Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Health 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904. In the memo please put in Memory of Raymond Anderson.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM in St. Margaret Church, 1098 Pawtucket Avenue, Rumford. Burial will be in Rumford Cemetery.