Ray Hart Cahoon, Sr's Obituary
Ray H. Cahoon was born in Addison Gilbert Hospital on August 13th, 1930 to John E. and Lois J. Cahoon. He attended Point Primary and Grammer Schools in East Gloucester to grade 6. He continued onto Central Grammer School to grade 8, and then to Gloucester High School; graduating in 1948. Ray is preceded in death by his mother in 1938 and his father in 1974.In 1953, Ray married his high school sweetheart, the former Gloria Hubbard of Essex. His loving children include Dawn, born in 1953; Mark, born in 1956; Ray Jr, born in 1958; and Carla, born in 1962.Ray served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from 1951-1955, stationed at Sampson Air Force base in Geneva, NY. In the special services section, he was baritone soloist of a base chorus “The Sampsonaires” appearing before audiences from coast to coast including the Jane Froman’s Show and the Faye Emerson TV Service Men’s Show from New York City.As a duet, Ray and Gloria appeared locally in various musical settings, including church functions. They were also featured on the Ted Mack Hour, from New York City. In addition, the family sang a unit known as “The Singing Cahoon Family”.Sadly, Ray’s wife, Gloria, passed away in 1978 at the age of 48.Ray’s work included banking in Gloucester at The Gloucester Safe Deposit and Trust Co, The Cape Ann Bank and Trust Co, and branch manager of the First National Bank of Ipswich, in Magnolia. He went on to own The North Shore Credit Bureau and served as a Deputy Tax Collector under the Major, Leo I. Alper. During this time, Ray was also a member of the East Gloucester Community Church.Mr. Cahoon moved to Fort Myers, FL in 1990, in semi-retirement. He purchased a Truck Rental Business until his total retirement in 2002, after which he enjoyed the Florida climate until his death on November 6Th, 2018, at the age of 88.He is survived by his children Dawn, Carla, Ray Jr., and Mark. He leaves behind 9 grandchildren.Donations can be made to the American Lung association.Funeral arrangements under the direction of Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33907. (239) 936-0555 Online condolences may be offered at www.fortmyersmemorial.com
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