Raymond “Ray” George Brown, 80 of Valparaiso, passed away at home Sunday, August 16, 2026. He was born on October 18, 1945 in New York City, New York, the son of the late Thomas E. and Lucy (Comeau) Brown. A proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, Ray graduated from Manchester Community College and made his career in industrial gas services. He was a member of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Center and lived a life of deep faith. Ray was a devoted, loving, and proud husband, father, and “Papa”. His family was his whole world.
On August 1, 1970 Ray married his childhood sweetheart, Marie Anne Deveau who survives along with their children; Paul Raymond (Susan Jane) Brown, Raynelle Marie (David) Howlett, and Rebecca “Becky” Louise (Daniel) Bradley; grandchildren, Malia, Drew, Ryan, Evan, and Maren. Also surviving are his brothers, William “Bill” (Carmela) Snow and Kenny (Lisa) Gross; mother-in-law, Louise Deveau whom he cherished deeply; and his childhood best friend, Emerie Maillet.
Ray’s faith, work ethic, adventurous spirit and love for his family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
Visitation will be held on August 28, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Funeral Mass on August 29th at 10:00 AM directly at Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church 2949 Willowcreek Rd., Portage. The service will be live streamed at https://www.facebook.com/nooscc/.
Private burial will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois on September 1, 2026.
The family wishes to thank the incredible team of the VNA of NWI Hospice, most especially Felesha and Bessa. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Saint Teresa Cafe Manna, Nativity of Our Savior Food Pantry, or a charity of your choice.
GUESTBOOK
My heartfelt sympathy my special cousin Marie and family. Ray sure put up a valiant fight. So sorry for your great loss. -Ruth Deveau Nova Scotia
I was saddened to read of Ray’s passing. Deepest condolences to Marie Anne and all his family and friends . May all the wonderful memories you made together help you through this very sad time. Sending prayers and hugs. -Dorothy (LeBlanc) Boone
My heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time. I have so many fond childhood memories from when the whole family, including the dogs, would come to Nova Scotia in the summer. You will be deeply missed, n'oncle Ray. -Joline Deveau
Ray was a great man that I met 40 years too late in life. He thought me to dive when I was 57 yrs. old , very patient skilled instructor. Our time together was special , conversations , travel and laughter always the up beat positive guy. As you go through life you unfortunately don’t meet and enjoy many “Ray Browns “Rest in eternal peace my friend. -Charles “Mike “Veal
Our sincerest sympathies to Mer and her extended family on this very sad occasion. Ray was the love of her life always. I may not be blood relative but mer was my foster sister whom I love. God Bless you all and know Ray is now with God. With love, -Linda and Roland
Our condolences to Marie and all of Ray's family. We know how much he will be missed. He was a good man and a good friend. -Al and Dotty Traxler
We were great friends and had a lot of fun when we were in school. He came to see every time he was home in the summer. sincere condolences to his family and friends May he rest in peace. -Lucie Theriault
He was and will always be a presence that engaged and warmed my heart and dare I say engaged with my soul and persona. God bless him? carry him in his arm and give his family rest and peace. A friend, -Mark Bader
It is with deep sorrow and sympathy that your friends on the east coast bid you rest in peace. May you dwell with you creator for eternity. We will miss your wisdom and kind spirit. -"The Herd" Kathy Giddings Hoyos
Farewell Mon Ami, a colleague for 25 years and a friend forever - I love you Brownie and will miss watching you fall asleep on our Zoom calls! -Linda and Jon Hanley
Sending our condolences to Marie and family. It was a great pleasure to have known and been around Ray during his time in Nova Scotia. His energy and enthusiasm brought so much joy to those around him! You will be greatly missed my friend. -Derek Lombard
I was so sorry to learn of Ray’s passing; you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in eternal peace. -Dianne Comeau Robichaud
My condolences to his family. We rode our bicycles on different cycling events; test drove a new 2000 Honda S2000 together. I really enjoyed his company (along with Marie) -Philip Cox
I have been thinking of you often, Uncle Ray, since the news of your passing this past Monday and over the past several months. I have many wonderful memories of growing up and getting to know you as a joyful uncle, respected diving instructor, loving father/husband and my first boss as a teenager. Working for you for a summer at Acadian Divers in Mavilette brings back fond memories of learning about diving tanks and equipment, and meeting fellow diving enthusiasts and many of your students. You were up for any challenge, and when you started your journey taking French language classes at Collège de l'Acadie, we all cheered you on and admired your efforts to speak French as much as you could. Among my fondest memories, as my sister put it, was seeing you all arrive in your blue van, with your two pugs excited to see us all, or the time you rode your motorcycle and sidecar with the dogs as your companions from Valparaiso to Nova Scotia and back. On your last visit, you were fascinated to hear about my work on the Fundy Rose ferry and my current work on the Cat ferry. In some way, you saw my work as similar to your work while in the US Navy in your early 20s. I shall cherish my many memories of my Uncle Ray over these past 42 years, and continue to cherish the times spent with Tante Marie, cousins Paul, Raynelle, Becky, and their families. You are all in my thoughts, and in our thoughts, at this difficult time. May you all know how loved and respected your father/husband was to all he met, and find comfort in your joyful memories of him. Love always, -Joel Deveau
