Raymond Leo Fournier, 96, of Plainfield, Connecticut, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 15, 2021, while living at the Legacy at North Augusta Assisted Living facility in Staunton, VA, where his wife of 68 years, Carol Ann, resides.

Raymond, a University of Connecticut graduate with a BS in Political Science, who later retired from the National Security Agency after 30 years in 1985, was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps, where he served during WWII as a Staff Sergeant working as an engineer/aircraft mechanic with a Rifle ML marksman weapons certification in the Asiatic Pacific area (Peleliu) in 1944. In 1999, Raymond, along with other survivors, returned to Peleliu on the 55th anniversary of that battle.

Raymond spent many years volunteering at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., and later when he and Carol moved from Kensington, MD (where together they raised seven children) to Shepherdstown, WV, he volunteered his time as a tour guide at the Antietam National Battlefield.

During retirement, he spent immeasurable years collecting, documenting and writing a biographical recount of the Battle of Peleliu - code named Operation Stalemate II by the United States Military, the battle fought between the U.S. and Japan during the Mariana and Palau Campaign.

Raymond was a kind and loving partner to his spouse Carol, as well as a wonderful and dedicated father to their children: Karen Suzanne Fournier, John Allen Fournier, Jean Marie Fournier-Crouse (predeceased), James Leo Fournier (predeceased), Craig Lawrence Fournier, Gail Elizabeth Simmons and Ellen Margaret Fournier.

Raymond also leaves behind ten grandchildren whom he cherished and loved dearly: Dale, Jenna, Allen, Shelley, Gary, Stephanie, Sean, Derek, Lauren and Connor, as well as two great-grandchildren: Logan and Reagan.

The family will hold a celebration of life service at the military grave site where he will be laid to rest eternally, in Culpeper, VA, at a time to be determined later, due to the COVID pandemic.

Dad: Semper Fidelis and will always be loved.

We will forever hold you in our hearts.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of his arrangements.