RaymonddG. Powell, 92, passed away on October 28, 2023 in Lebanon, NH.

Ray was the cherished son of the late Raymond and Evelyn Powell of Stoughton MA and beloved husband of Cynthia Kovey who he met at Stoughton High School. They had three sons together, Robert, David and Richard. Cynthia predeceased him in 1992 of breast cancer. He retired from United Airlines as a Captain at age 53 after Cynthia's diagnosis as he wanted to focus his time on their relationship together and her medical needs.

Ray graduated from Norwich University in 1956 and his experiences there were central to how he saw himself throughout his adult life. Influenced by his Norwich experience, he volunteered for the Army Air Corp. This made possible his later career as a pilot for United Airlines. He loved playing Norwich football and enjoyed the masculine comradery of the Norwich Corp of Cadets. Most of all he took great pride in the friends he made there, many of whom became lifelong and were people he deeply admired beyond their friendship.

Like many men of his generation, Ray had admired the men who served in World War 2. He left service encouraged by his wife Cynthia and the fact of their three young children instead of proceeding to helicopter flight school, which would have certainly lead to his serving in the Vietnam conflict. He was always ambivalent about this decision knowing the sacrifice of those before him. He lost many friends in Vietnam who did serve, some of them Norwich Alums. He honored their memory throughout his life.

Ray enjoyed exuberant health and energy until late in life. He married again and had many happy years after Cynthia's death, though he outlived his second wife, Susan Kovner as well. His interest and skill in navigation continued in his retirement years running the Mansfield Municipal Airport and owning many small planes and motor yachts. Ray's happiest moments were behind the wheel of anything. He continued his love of sport and skiing until quite late in his life. He played hockey, skied and played tennis until his mid-sixties. He enjoyed a passion for golf until very near his death. He shared his love of sport and flying with all of his children and when they were growing-up would only miss a son's event if he were away on a trip working.

Until recently, Ray resided in Florida with girlfriend, Judy Overdorf. Together they enjoyed boating, travel and their dogs, Sheba, Keeper and Annie.

He is mourned and lovingly remembered by his three sons Robert & wife, Jane, David & wife, Susan, and Richard & wife Robin, his five grandchildren, Cindi, Adam, Charlie, Ethan and Jason, and his friend, Judy.

A private family service will be held in the future. Donations in his name can be made to Norwich University General Fund or the local animal shelter of your choice. 

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