SCARBOROUGH — Raymond Ralph Bermudez III, of May Street, Biddeford, died Thursday, Nov. 4, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Westerly, R.I., on Sept. 3, 1947, a son of Raymond R. and Carmen  Bermudez II. Eight years later, Ray moved with his parents and five siblings to Auburn, Maine. Family was very important, and there were countless stories about growing up in the 1950s and 1960s. Ray also had a love of sports and was an athlete in his own right; among other sports and time at the YMCA, baseball was a favorite. With his father as his coach, he even caught for Larry Gowell, who went on to pitch for the Yankees.

After graduating from Edward Little High School in 1965, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served on the U.S.S. Yorktown, enduring several tours during the Vietnam War, including a mission to pick up the Apollo 8, a fact he was very proud of, and a story he would often share. Medals for his service included the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.

On returning, Ray met his wife, Barbara, while attending Thomas College in Waterville, where he later got his degree. Ray had a long career at the Portland post office where he worked for more than 20 year, before retirement, and met many great friends. Ray also served as a track and field official for many years overseeing many meets at the Portland Expo. He always said one of the best things about it was the people he got to see and work with there.

After retirement, living in Biddeford, Ray would often be seen at the beach or on the dance floor, always having a good time. Ray had a true love of life, and really lived every day as his last. Ray was a wonderful father, brother and friend. Many people knew him just by his infectious smile and bright blue eyes. Ray was a special and amazing person. He will be strongly missed by everyone who knew him or only just met him.

Ray is survived by two daughters, Sianne Gendron and her husband, Matthew, of Durham, and Aimee E. Bermudez of Portland; sisters, Faye Hayes, and Audrey and her husband, Frank Ducharme; brothers, John Bermudez and his wife, Susie, Rico Bermudez, and Arthur “Skip” Bermudez; and many nieces and nephews. Also, like family to Ray, best friends including Tom, Kevin and Tammy.

Online condolences may be sent to www.ctcrawford.com.