December 4, 2025 marked the one year anniversary of the passing of beloved son, brother, uncle, great uncle, partner and friend, William Charles Raymer, Jr.

Bill was a true gentleman with an old soul. He was a quiet, kind and unassuming person with a humble demeanor that camouflaged his myriad sills and talents. Bill was a gifted, Jack-of-many trades. He had many admirers. And although Bill was different things to different people, he was rightfully appreciated for his competence, his wit and his solid character.

Born in Quincy, MA in 1952, Bill was one of three sons born to Janet (Costello) and William Charles "Lefty" Raymer. Bill served as an alterably, he was a Boy Scout, a business owner, an entrepreneur, a real estate investor and co-founder of Adventure Camp, and of Rustic Chic Retreat, a family compound and vacation destination in New Hampshire. He was also owner and founder of  Restoration Resources, a nationally renowned architectural salvage firm that Bill built from the ground up almost forty-five years ago. 

Bill's initial foray into business started soon out of high school, when he became one of several young owners of Miller Reprographics, a Quincy based printing company specializing in reproduction of architectural blueprints. Bill's hard work contributed to making Miller a successful business, so much so it was purchased several years later by a larger company. After selling Miller, Bill was determined to develop a business that centered around his passion for antique and vintage architectural artifacts. That focus and determination manifested in the creation of Restoration Resources.

Bill also loved the sleek mechanical design found in nostalgic technology like jukeboxes, vending machines and neon signs. He combined that interest with his commitment to the craftsmanship of architectural gems such as finely carved oak mantles, stained glass windows, and religious and garden statuary. Restoration Resources evolved into a highly respected and nationally known business largely because of Bill's hard work and his "curator's eye". In quick order, Bill's relentless desire to preserve elements of Boston's past glory earned him the reputation as the "go to guy" in architectural antiques in New England.

Bill was the protege of the late Jorge Epstein who, in the 1940s during the advent of Boston's Urban Renewal Period, pioneered the acquisition and reclamation of historical treasures otherwise destined for demolition or dumpsters. When Mr. Epstein passed away, Bill recruited his mentor's loyal assistant, Walter Santory, who remained an integral part of Restoration Resources throughout the years. Bill's ability to surgically remove architectural elements from century old homes, from church steeples and hotels throughout New England was almost as impressive as the inventory he amassed around his store. Those finds were then repurposed through the country in settings that included contemporary and antique homes, and restaurants and bars throughout New England. Restoration Resources pieces can be seen in more than thirty Hollywood movies, on national television series, and in commercials as props that provided period authenticity. 

Bill frequently taught and spoke at local historical organizations and at schools such as the Bennett Street School, that are committed to teaching about the preservation of fine craftsmanship. Bill and Brendan Healy, owner of Design Build, spoke annually at conventions such as ABX, the largest design and construction industry gathering in the U.S.. Bill's ability to find and repurpose venerable objects from the past in creative ways resulted in Restoration Resources being featured in numerous magazines and newspapers. His growing notoriety led to appearances on over thirty television programs on various networks including WCVB's "Chronicle", HGTV, A&E and the PBS staple, "This Old House" with Bill talking about topics like how to incorporate an antique oak fireplace mantle into a new home.

Bill's personal interests were simple yet many.  He enjoyed singing and playing his guitar or tinkering with his dozen antique cars. He cherished his Tanqueray and tonics (with  a lime) or sipping good wine by candlelight. And while he loved being out in nature, Bill preferred the rare opportunities of pampering and perks at a five star hotel. He had a knack for recalling and reciting lines from movies, or music lyrics. Getting a chuckle out of Bill was equal to someone else's belly laugh.  Bus his eyes sparkled with constant mischief as he watched the world around him wobble by.

Bill had conventional values, yet he was unconventional in so many ways. He lived life on his own terms , not by the expectations and time frames of others. To Bill, success wasn't measured by money or milestones, but simply by knowing he'd done a job well and by the connections he had with the people he loved. Those who knew Bill knew how sentimental and generous he was. He always put family first. He was devoted to his nieces and nephews who inspired him to create Adventure Camp, sharing  experiences with them like traveling on a house boat in the Thousand Islands, hang gliding, deep sea fishing (with Captain Porgy), white water rafting, rock climbing a 90 degree incline as well as other adventures too risky to mention. More recently, Bill developed Rustic Chic Retreat on 27 acres of wooded waterfront property in New Hampshire complete with unique dwelling like safari tents, yurts, tiny houses, vintage campers and even a repurposed horse trailer. Bill created RCR so that his family and friends could spend time together in a beautiful setting. It has also been enjoyed as a magical vacation retreat for hundreds of tourists and locals.

Like Bill, each of his business ventures and other endeavors were one of a kind. He lived by the motto, "Carpe Diem" -- seize the day, and Bill did just that every day of every week. 

Bill is survived by his brother Jack Raymer, and husband wife Kathleen, his niece Kelly Antonellis, her husband Lawrence, and their children Nicholas and Addison of Weymouth. He was predeceased by his brother, Peter Raymer, of Lincolnville, Maine.  Bill was the long time, loving partner and business partner to Donna Lee Robertson of Milton, MA, and brother in law to Dale Byrne, and her husband (Bill's best friend), Bob of Canton, also to Thom Scott Robertson and his wife Robin of Revere and New Hampshire, and Deidre McWalter and her husband Rob of Bedford. Bill was devoted uncle to Brendan, Kristen, Brian, Catherine, Aleia, Jillian and Ryan and great uncle to Rosie, Olivia, Blake, Caroline, Dorothy, Trey and Julian. While Bill had no biological children, he was especially proud to consider Mary Woodleigh and Pete Tufts and his wife Lisa, and their son Charlie as part of his extended family.

Bill's family and friends miss him dearly for his wry humor his thoughtfulness, his decency, his loyal support of those he loved, and for his earnest authenticity. He was one of a kind, arguably born into the wrong era, whose contributions and spirit will live on for decades to come. Bill was, one of the really good ones. Remember, the people you love won't be around forever. Make every moment matter -- as Bill would say, "Carpe Diem". 

There will be a celebration of Bill's life at his barn in Milton where Bill surrounded himself with his architectural gems and his collection of vintage cars. Date and time will be announced on this page very soon.

BILL RAYMER.    12/27/1952.   TO   12/4/2024

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