SACO - Ray M. Kelley, 88, of Saco, died on Nov. 13, 2015, at home with his family by his side.

Ray was born on March 16, 1927, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a son of Raymond and Edith Pauline "DeLaite" Kelley. He was raised and educated in Saco and Old Orchard Beach. As a youth, Ray enjoyed playing many different types of athletics and participating in various school activities.

As a World War II veteran, he served his time overseas stationed in Italy. After the war, Ray worked locally at the Saco Lowell. Later, he also worked outside of Maine with Pratt & Witney in Connecticut and for the Lalley Company in Massachusetts. When he returned to Maine, Ray worked in the Biddeford Industrial Park. Along with these jobs, Ray worked as a bartender off and on since his early 20s. When Ray became a bartender at the Eagles Club in Biddeford, he settled into his final bartending role. He worked at the Eagles Club until he retired in 1989. After retirement, Ray remained a lifelong member and friend to the Eagles club community. Throughout his life, being a bartender brought Ray many memories and stories that stayed with him as time passed.

Ray is preceded in death by: his parents; daughter, Elizabeth Kelley of Somerville, Massachusetts; brother, Thomas Kelley of Weymouth, Massachusetts; and sister, Elizabeth Bethoney of Massachusetts.

Ray is survived by: his spouse and loving partner of 51 years, Rachel Bernier; brother, Walter Kelley and wife Sharon of Velma, Oklahoma; sisters, Patricia Marsh of Dedham, Massachusetts and Margaret Femino of West Roxbury, Massachusetts.

He is also survived by his seven children: sons, James Kelley and wife Dianne, Joseph Kelley, Roger Bernier and partner Glenda, Robert Bernier and wife Christine; along with daughters, Sharon Kelley and husband Scott, Jeanne Roy and husband Ric, and Linda Giroux and husband Bill. He is also survived by his many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Ray Kelley was a man with a joyful, shining spirit who brought happiness into the hearts and lives of many. Ray, you will be greatly missed.

Funeral services to remember the life of Ray M. Kelley will be held at Cote's Funeral Home in Saco on Tuesday, Nov. 17. Viewing hours will be from 1-4 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 4 p.m. A private graveside service will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery at a later date. To view Ray's memorial page or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make donations in Ray's memory to Beacon Hospice, 54 Atlantic Place, South Portland, ME 04106.