ROCKLAND — Raymond C. Athearn, 89, longtime City of Rockland, Public Works employee, died unexpectedly of natural causes, at his home, Monday, March 18, 2019.  

Born in Thomaston, November 29, 1929, Raymond was adopted by the Black family. He moved with his family to Rockland in 1935.

His first employment was with Grant’s Dairy in Rockland. He later worked two years with George Hall and Son before beginning employment with the City of Rockland, Public Works Department. He retired in 2015, after 54 years’ service with the city.

Raymond married Eva M. Waldren in 1960.  

Raymond enjoyed visiting with his friends at all the local coffee stops.

He was a longtime member of the Aurora Masonic Lodge #50 in Rockland and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows St. George #132.

Raymond was pre-deceased by his wife Eva in 2001; three sons, Daniel Landre, Clarence Landre, Francis Landre; two brothers and two sisters.

He is survived by two sons, Raymond E. Athearn of Rockland; a daughter, Mary Alice Freeman of Topsham; one grandson Brian Athearn and his wife Kelly and their son Colin Edward Athearn; several step grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit Monday, March 25, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter and Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 26, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Wayne Sawyer will officiate.  

Spring interment will be in Achorn Cemetery, Rockland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102, or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute on-line at danafarber.jimmyfund.org.

To share a memory or story with Raymond’s family, visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com